Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed a series of completed regeneration projects in Larne town centre, delivered in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The Department for Communities invested £331,945, with the council contributing £35,805, to create a pop-up park on a previously derelict site on Main Street, carry out environmental improvements at Dunluce Street, and provide grant support to local businesses for shopfront upgrades.

Minister Lyons said: "It is encouraging to see how a number of small regeneration projects can collectively make a difference to a town centre for residents, visitors, and local businesses. My Department has worked with the council to deliver these initiatives, which are helping to enhance the centre of Larne.

"The new pop-up park, created on a previously derelict site, has transformed an unused space into an attractive community asset. Whilst the Dunluce Street area continues to face challenges, this investment has helped improve its appearance and contributes to a cleaner, more attractive streetscape. I am also pleased to see local businesses benefiting from the latest Revitalisation Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme, which is helping to enhance the overall look and feel of the town centre." Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, added:"Partnership working is essential to driving regeneration and investment across the borough. This investment in Larne has created new opportunities for businesses and residents alike, helping to strengthen the town centre and enhance the experience for everyone who visits. The improvements to shop fronts, together with the creation of a pop-up park, have made the town centre a more attractive and welcoming place, giving young children a space to play while families and friends enjoy shopping and dining together.

"I would like to commend the businesses and community organisations that worked with our council teams to help transform Larne town centre. Larne already has so much to offer in terms of its culture and strong community spirit, and these improvements will help build on those strengths for the future."

The shopfront improvement grants form part of a wider Revitalisation project funded by the Department for Communities in partnership with the council, which also includes animation activities and providing outdoor furniture to enhance the customer experience. Applications for the latest round of Shopfront Improvement Grants close at 4pm on 7 September 2026, subject to the availability of funds, via the council's community grants portal.

All three projects were delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with the Department for Communities, with funding split 90% from DfC and 10% from the council.