Apply for Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme (UK)

The Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme by Ards and North Down Borough Council provides funding of up to £25,000 per property to bring long-term vacant commercial buildings back into productive use. The scheme targets Bangor and Newtownards, supporting capital improvements that make properties tenant-ready, boost town-centre vibrancy, and promote sustainable economic regeneration.

Programme Overview

The Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme is an initiative by Ards and North Down Borough Council designed to tackle long-term vacant and derelict commercial properties.

Its core aim is to transform underused buildings into fit-for-purpose, ready-to-occupy commercial spaces that can attract long-term tenants, stimulate footfall, and contribute to thriving town centres.

The scheme is delivered under the Supporting Thriving High Streets Programme and is funded by the Council.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

The grant programme seeks to achieve multiple regeneration outcomes, including:

• Bringing vacant or derelict commercial floor space back into use

• Improving the quality and appearance of buildings through high-quality internal and external works

• Enhancing the streetscape and vibrancy of Bangor and Newtownards town centres

• Supporting the creation of local employment, directly or indirectly

• Encouraging sustainability in property improvement and reuse

Funding Available

The scheme has a total budget of £460,000 over three years and is currently being piloted in Bangor and Newtownards, with potential future expansion across the Borough.

Eligible applicants can receive:

• Up to £25,000 per property

• Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the total project costs

Funding is provided as capital grant support and is awarded on a competitive basis.

What the Grant Can Be Used For

Only capital improvement works that enhance the interior or exterior of a commercial property are eligible.

Eligible works include:

• Access improvements

• Lighting upgrades

• Window and door replacements

• Internal fitting-out works

• Upgrading fixtures and finishes

• Catering equipment

• Customer facilities

• Improved security features

These improvements must directly contribute to making the building suitable and attractive for long-term commercial occupation.

What the Grant Cannot Fund

The grant does not support:

• Retrospective works already completed

• Running or operational costs

• Professional or legal fees

• Purchase of stock

• Marketing or advertising costs

• VAT for VAT-registered businesses

• Works already funded through another funding source

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Own the property at the time of application (freehold or leasehold owners are eligible)

• Ensure the property has been vacant for at least 12 months

• Ensure the property is paying non-domestic rates

• Submit no more than two active applications per applicant

The scheme is open exclusively to property owners in Bangor and Newtownards during the pilot phase.

Project Delivery Requirements

Successful applicants must comply with the following conditions:

• Make reasonable efforts to secure a tenant within six months of project completion

• Complete the funded works within 12 months of accepting the grant offer

• Participate in post-project evaluation activities, which may include surveys, interviews, workshops, and press coverage

These requirements help the Council measure impact and inform potential future expansion of the scheme.

How the Application Process Works

Applications are assessed competitively through a two-stage process.

Stage 1: Letter of Offer in Principle

Eligible applications are initially reviewed against the scheme’s objectives and scoring criteria.

Only those that pass eligibility checks and achieve a sufficient score progress to the next stage.

Stage 2: Final Letter of Offer

Successful applicants receive a formal Letter of Offer, confirming:

• The approved project

• The maximum grant amount

• The grant terms and conditions

Only projects that reach this stage are approved for funding.

Common Reasons for Ineligibility

Applications will not be considered if they:

• Come from applicants with an unsatisfactory history under previous grant schemes

• Are incomplete or missing required information

• Do not align with the objectives of the Empty to Energised scheme

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing and provided with reasons for the decision.

Why This Scheme Matters

Vacant commercial properties can negatively affect town-centre vitality, economic activity, and community confidence.

By supporting targeted, high-quality capital improvements, the Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme helps unlock the potential of underused buildings, attract sustainable businesses, and support long-term regeneration in Bangor and Newtownards.

Conclusion

The Empty to Energised Pilot Grant Scheme offers a practical and impactful opportunity for property owners to transform long-vacant commercial buildings into vibrant, tenant-ready spaces.

With funding of up to £25,000 per property and a clear focus on regeneration, sustainability, and economic renewal, the scheme plays a key role in strengthening town centres and supporting thriving local high streets.

For eligible property owners in Bangor and Newtownards, this programme provides both financial support and a clear pathway to bringing empty buildings back to life.