Heritage shopfronts to get a new lease of life with second round of funding

A scheme helping businesses in Moira and Royal Hillsborough refresh their frontages, to better reflect the heritage and conservation themes of the area, has launched a second round of funding.

Following the success of its first call for applications, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) is asking for further expressions of interest in its Heritage Shopfront Scheme. The fund supports businesses located in Moira and Royal Hillsborough conservation areas to improve the appearance and condition of their shopfronts in ways that complement the ambience of these historic villages.

There are already 33 businesses in the area which have been supported by the scheme. One is Locale, an estate agency in Moira, which used the money to replace the signage and refresh the front of their premises.

The agency’s owners Barbara Wyatt and Julie Greer, said: “We’re proud of Moira’s historic status and so we jumped at the opportunity offered by the council to update Locale’s facade that it better reflects the village’s history.  And we’re delighted at the result!

“The new front really helps to strengthen the feeling that Locale is situated right in the heart of Moira.  Even our customers have commented on how well it’s looking.  We hope that other businesses are also able to use the fund so that Moira continues to look better and better.”