'A powerful commitment': £3.75m boost to transform one of Northern Ireland’s most disadvantaged areas into community and business hubs

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a £3.75m investment which will see three buildings in north Belfast transformed to provide community-based facilities including expanded workspace for new and growing businesses.

The Department for the Economy has worked extensively with the North City Business Centre to secure the £3.75m investment from the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund for 25/26 to enable the purchase of three significant sites.

The buildings will add to the portfolio of premises that make up the North City Business Centre and help stimulate entrepreneurship, create new jobs, and expand community‑focused facilities in one of Northern Ireland’s most disadvantaged areas.

The Minister 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.”

The three buildings in north Belfast will provide expanded workspace for new and growing businesses, with a focus on social economy and community wealth building and will provide dedicated space for community use. Working closely with North City Business Centre the Department aims to ensure the investment delivers sustainable and inclusive economic benefits.

David Williamson, chair of North City Business Centre added: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of three new sites in north Belfast, bringing North City Business Centre’s total footprint close to 200,000 sq.ft. With Government funding of £3.75m and NCBC’s own capital expenditure, this will amount to a significant investment in the area over a number of years.

"It is our intention to extensively refurbish and restructure two of the sites to meet the specific needs of local businesses, which will allow us to attract many new and growing businesses and new local jobs to this highly disadvantaged area. The development will also allow us to extend our wider work in the area, in partnership with other community based, public and private organisations to ensure the greatest local benefit from this investment.”