Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has unveiled a £3.75 million investment aimed at revitalising North Belfast through the purchase and transformation of three significant buildings. The funding, secured from the UK Government's Local Growth Fund for 2025/26, follows extensive collaboration between the Department for the Economy and the North City Business Centre (NCBC).

The acquisition of these sites is intended to bolster the NCBC portfolio, providing much-needed workspace for new and expanding enterprises. The project focuses on fostering entrepreneurship, creating local employment, and developing community-based infrastructure in one of the region's most disadvantaged areas. Minister Archibald said: "This investment represents a powerful commitment to the people of North Belfast. By securing these three sites, we are laying the foundations for long‑term economic renewal, job creation, and enhanced community infrastructure. North Belfast has enormous potential, and this acquisition ensures that local people and local businesses will be at the centre of future growth. I look forward to seeing these buildings become vibrant assets that support opportunity, innovation and community wellbeing."

The new facilities will place a specific emphasis on community wealth building and the social economy, while also providing dedicated areas for public use. Two of the sites are earmarked for extensive refurbishment to ensure they meet the modern requirements of local firms.

David Williamson, Chair of North City Business Centre, said: "I am delighted to announce the acquisition of three new sites in North Belfast, bringing North City Business Centre's total footprint close to 200,000 sq.ft. With Government funding of £3.75m and NCBC's own capital expenditure, this will amount to a significant investment in the area over a number of years. It is our intention to extensively refurbish and restructure two of the sites to meet the specific needs of local businesses, which will allow us to attract many new and growing businesses and new local jobs to this highly disadvantaged area. The development will also allow us to extend our wider work in the area, in partnership with other community based, public and private organisations to ensure the greatest local benefit from this investment."