A £3.75 million investment has been announced to transform three buildings in Belfast into community-based facilities, providing expanded workspace for new and growing businesses alongside dedicated space for local community use.
The funding was confirmed today by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, who said the investment will help stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs and strengthen community infrastructure in one of Northern Ireland’s most disadvantaged areas.
The Department for the Economy has worked closely with the North City Business Centre to secure the £3.75m investment from the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund for 2025/26.
The funding will enable the purchase of three significant sites in North Belfast, which will be added to the growing portfolio of premises managed by the North City Business Centre.
Together, the buildings will form a critical part of a wider regeneration effort, supporting both economic development and community wellbeing.
Once developed, the new buildings will provide expanded, affordable workspace for start-ups, social enterprises and growing local businesses.
The project has a particular focus on:
- The social economy
- Community wealth building
- Inclusive entrepreneurship
By supporting locally rooted businesses, the investment aims to ensure economic growth benefits the community directly, helping to retain wealth, skills and employment opportunities within North Belfast.
In addition to workspace, the redeveloped buildings will offer dedicated space for community use, ensuring residents have access to facilities that meet local needs.
This dual focus on business growth and community facilities reflects a wider commitment to regeneration that addresses both economic and social challenges.
The North City Business Centre has an established track record of supporting enterprise, skills and community development in North Belfast. The addition of three new sites will strengthen its ability to act as a catalyst for local economic recovery, particularly in areas facing longstanding deprivation.
By combining business support with community-led facilities, the £3.75m project aligns with wider government ambitions around inclusive growth, place-based investment and levelling up.
The investment is expected to contribute to:
- New job creation
- Increased business start-up and survival rates
- Greater use of local services and facilities
- Stronger community networks
Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe 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.”
By embedding economic activity within the community itself, the project aims to deliver lasting change, supporting both people and place.
The redevelopment of the three North Belfast buildings represents a major step forward in using targeted public investment to unlock opportunity, strengthen communities and build a more resilient local economy.
Image credit: iStock
