From L-R – John Lee (Povall Worthington Arcitects), Paul McLean, Alderman James Baird, Karen Marsden (Department for Communities) and Lauren McNeill (Haslem Hotel).

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is pleased to announce that two further projects have 
secured support through the Future Growth Grant Programme, marking another important 
milestone in the ongoing regeneration and economic growth of Lisburn City Centre. 

The Haslem Hotel Expansion Project and the McLean Mixed-Use Development have both been 
awarded funding through the Programme. The projects are jointly funded by Lisburn & 
Castlereagh City Council and the Department for Communities alongside significant private 
sector investment in the future of the city centre. 

The Future Growth Grant Programme was established to encourage investment in underutilised 
and vacant properties, stimulate economic activity and support the long-term revitalisation of 
Lisburn City Centre. These latest awards build upon the success of the programme's first 
funded project and demonstrate growing confidence in the city centre as a location for business 
growth and development. 

The Haslem Hotel Expansion Project will support the continued growth of one of Lisburn's 
flagship hospitality businesses, strengthening the city's tourism and visitor offer while creating 
additional opportunities for economic activity within the city centre. 

The McLean Mixed-Use Development will bring forward the redevelopment of a prominent city 
centre property, supporting a blend of commercial and residential uses that will contribute to 
increased footfall, greater vibrancy and the sustainable renewal of the city centre. 

Speaking about the awards, Chair of the Regeneration and Growth Committee, Alderman James Baird, said: "We are delighted to support both the Haslem Hotel Expansion Project and the McLean Mixed Use Development through the Future Growth Grant Programme. These projects demonstrate the ambition and confidence of local investors and developers who recognise the significant opportunities within Lisburn City Centre. 

"Through the continued partnership between Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the 
Department for Communities, we are enabling investment that will deliver lasting benefits for 
our city. Both projects will play an important role in supporting regeneration, attracting further 
investment, increasing footfall and enhancing the overall vitality and attractiveness of the city 
centre." 

Welcoming the funding, Minister Lyons said: “I am pleased to announce this Local Growth Fund 
investment of £200k for 2026/27, which will contribute to the regeneration and revitalisation of 
Lisburn City Centre in conjunction with the council. This funding boost will build on strong 
partnership working as we seek to support economic growth in the city centre.” 

The Minister continued: “Northern Ireland’s high streets have some of the highest vacancy rates 
in the United Kingdom. My Department is focused on tackling vacancy and dereliction in towns, 
neighbourhoods, and city centres, transforming these areas into attractive places where people 
want to live, work and visit.” 

These latest awards further demonstrate the positive momentum being generated through the 
Future Growth Grant Programme and the shared commitment of the Council, the Department 
for Communities and private sector partners to delivering transformative investment in Lisburn 
City Centre.

To find out more about both grant programmes please click here.  

The Local Growth Fund is a Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government Fund. 
Details can be found here.