Council reopen £3 Million Office Development Grant Scheme

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has reopened its £3 million Office Development Grant Scheme, aimed at encouraging private sector investment in high-quality Grade A office space in Newry City Centre. The scheme forms part of the wider Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment.

Funded through the Northern Ireland Executive via the Department for Communities, the grant is designed to incentivise developers and property owners to invest in Grade A office accommodation, with the broader goals of economic development, job creation and urban regeneration in Newry.

Newry's position on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor makes it particularly attractive to firms needing dual-market access, particularly in sectors such as logistics, financial services, legal services and consultancy. As the city continues to grow across the regional economy, demand for high-quality, sustainable and technologically advanced workspace is increasing.

The scheme is open to standalone office developments as well as multi-use developments that combine Grade A office space with residential, retail or leisure elements. It will support both new build projects and the reuse of vacant or derelict buildings, in line with the Council's commitment to environmental sustainability and energy-efficient workspaces. Eligible developments will also be expected to meet modern workplace expectations around hybrid working, employee wellbeing and corporate image.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: "The Department for Communities welcomes the opening of the second tranche of the Grade A Office Development Grant Scheme. It represents a significant opportunity for new companies to establish themselves in the city and for existing ones to expand their footprint, creating new jobs that will boost the local economy and foster sustainable urban regeneration."

Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said: "This Belfast Region City Deal investment is one of several initiatives that the Council has in place to promote Newry, Mourne and Down as a place that business can invest and prosper in. Newry has a premier location along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor. By creating the right market conditions, the Office Development Grant Scheme aims to attract new investors who will see the value of having Newry City as a base which allows them to easily connect to the whole island's economy."

The scheme will remain open for applications until 20 November 2026, though interested developers and businesses are encouraged to make early contact to allow sufficient time to prepare design proposals and planning applications. Council officers will be available for one-to-one consultations and will host information sessions in the coming months to help potential applicants understand the scheme's requirements, covering planning, sustainability standards and business case expectations.

Full details, including criteria, applicant guidance notes and information on upcoming sessions, are available at www.newrymournedown.org