Belfast City Council has secured a further £700k in capital funding to widen its Vacant to Vibrant Citywide grant programme, inviting fresh applications from property owners and prospective occupiers. The new pot comprises £500k from the Department for Communities and £200k from Belfast City Council to encourage the reuse of vacant properties in local areas.

Following a successful pilot in the city centre, the citywide rollout is already converting empty units on arterial routes into new premises for businesses and organisations, backed by £300,000 from the Department for Communities and £219,000 from the UK government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The first round of 24 Vacant to Vibrant Citywide grants is expected to deliver around 83 direct jobs. For every £1 invested through the scheme, at least £1.79 is estimated to be returned in rates income over the term of the leases.

With this fresh funding round, a further 35 businesses and organisations are anticipated to receive support to reinvigorate arterial routes across the city.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: "I'm delighted that the Department for Communities is co-investing again in what has proven to be a really effective regeneration initiative. Not only is Vacant to Vibrant Citywide bringing unused properties along our arterial routes back into use, the businesses and organisations we've funded are creating employment opportunities, they're bringing a more diverse offer to neighbourhoods and, together, we're making Belfast a more attractive place to visit, live and invest in.

"Both Vacant to Vibrant City Centre and Citywide have been a resounding success for council – and for the city's regeneration. Together, they've resulted in 72 properties being refurbished so far, and 25 of those are historic buildings. The funding has generated an estimated £4.4m rates income and created 220 direct employment opportunities to date. We've demonstrated that this kind of incentive really delivers results in both social and economic terms, bringing vibrancy and driving footfall, and I encourage businesses, property owners, arts organisations, charities and social economy businesses to apply now for support to establish themselves on our arterial routes." Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am proud that my department has been able to make a significant investment that has enabled the extension of this highly successful Vacant to Vibrant citywide programme. This initiative will continue to breathe new life into vacant properties across Belfast, support local businesses, create jobs, and make a lasting positive impact on neighbourhoods across the city.

"This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved through effective collaboration, working together to regenerate neighbourhoods and make a lasting, positive impact on people's lives. My department remains firmly committed to working in partnership with councils to revitalise our urban spaces and ensure they thrive for generations to come."

Organisations supported so far include Array Arts Collective – the Turner Prize-winning group relocating to Loopland Drive in east Belfast, where Array Studios will offer six individual studios, a shared workshop (with flexible screening area, reception/library/photo suite) and a street-facing gallery running exhibitions, talks, screenings, creative sessions and health and wellbeing workshops.

Belfast Makerspace is converting a vacant former church on Annsboro Street into a community hub for creativity.

Bread and Banjo Bakery is establishing production premises on Templemore Avenue to serve its Ormeau Road shop.

Brilliant Minds Tutoring is refurbishing an empty upper floor on Suffolk Avenue to create workshop space.

Charlie's Pizza has opened a restaurant on the Ormeau Road.

The Orange Hall on Clifton Street is being restored as a tourism destination.

Pancake Studios plans to transform a former warehouse on Limestone Road into a creative hub for independent film-makers and companies, with space for productions, podcasts and hotdesking.

Riot Cycle is launching Belfast's first boutique spin studio at King's Square, alongside a café serving matcha tea.

West Belfast Partnership Board (WBPB) is fitting out new Glen Road premises for its Health Team, creating additional jobs and expanding health services across west Belfast.

Wrapped Up Belfast is restoring Unit B, 397 Ormeau Road, to provide a retail outlet for locally based artists to sell regionally distinctive products.

Vacant to Vibrant Citywide combines capital grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 for businesses and property owners with a matchmaking service via an estate agent to pair empty premises with suitable tenants. Recipients also receive wraparound advice from council business support officers to help ensure long-term success.

For details on applying to Vacant to Vibrant Citywide and upcoming funding information sessions, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/vacanttovibrant.