'We are excited to begin this next chapter': Much-loved Co Antrim bistro expands with new city centre home
The Square Bistro has transformed a long-term vacant Market Square property into a larger permanent base with support from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Future Growth Grant
A Lisburn restaurant is expanding its operation with a new permanent home in Market Square, following investment by local business owners Stevie and Cristina Higginson and support from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Future Growth Grant Programme.
The Square Bistro has transformed the long-term vacant property at 26 Market Square into a larger base for the growing business.
The project is the first to receive funding through the Council’s Future Growth Grant, a programme launched in November 2025 to encourage investment in vacant city-centre properties and support the regeneration of Lisburn.
For Stevie and Cristina Higginson, the move marks an important next step for The Square Bistro, providing the business with a permanent base in the heart of the city and creating scope for further growth.
The couple said the redevelopment of 26 Market Square had allowed them to expand their business in Lisburn and thanked the Council for its support.
“We are excited to begin this next chapter for The Square Bistro and are grateful for the Council support provided through the Future Growth Grant Programme,” they said.
“Acquiring and redeveloping 26 Market Square has allowed us to expand our business investment in Lisburn City. We are looking forward to welcoming both existing and new customers to our new premises and continuing to be part of Lisburn’s thriving local business community.”
The investment also brings a previously vacant property back into productive use, contributing to the wider regeneration of Lisburn city centre.
Alderman James Baird, chair of the Council’s Regeneration and Growth Committee, said the grant was designed to support projects capable of having a lasting impact on the city centre.
“We were delighted to award the first grant to Stevie and Cristina for their plans at 26 Market Square,” he added.
“This investment has transformed a long-term vacant building while supporting the growth of an established local business and further enhances the vitality and appeal of our city centre for residents, visitors and businesses alike.”
The Future Growth Grant Programme forms part of the Council’s wider efforts to encourage private-sector investment, tackle long-term vacancy and dereliction, and support the regeneration of Lisburn city centre.
The Square Bistro will officially open its new premises at 26 Market Square on Thursday, September 24.