Press Release
14th March 2011

An innovative new initiative to help re-invigorate the local high street, improve the look of vacant shops and showcase local community and business projects will be piloted in Portadown this month.
Organised by Craigavon Borough Council’s Development Department in partnership Meanwhile Space, the main aim of the initiative is to temporarily use a vacant shop in Portadown for a socially beneficial purpose until it is used commercially again.
The shop could be used to showcase local community and voluntary group projects, help local charities promote their work or support budding entrepreneurs launch and test their new ideas! In addition, it will help the landlord actively market their property and increase footfall to neighbouring businesses.

Chair of the Development Committee, Alderman Sydney Anderson MLA, comments: “This ground-breaking initiative is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and is an excellent opportunity to support local businesses, showcase the exceptional work of our community and voluntary based projects and help local entrepreneurs promote their innovative new business ideas. The project will bring wide ranging benefits to stakeholders, occupants, landlords and the wider public and will help our local high street stay bustling and bright.”

He adds; ”I would encourage any local projects or budding business people interested in using the space, or landlords throughout Portadown and Lurgan who would like their shops involved in this project, to fill in an application form and make use of this trailblazing initiative.”

If the pilot proves successful, the initiative will be rolled out across Lurgan and Portadown with a further four shops becoming available in each town centre for use.

To secure an application form please contact Economic Development Officer, Ciaran Tipping, on 028 3831 3602 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              028 3831 3602      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email ciaran.tipping@craigavon.gov.uk

For more information, download here Meanwhile Information