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25/03/2011
Empty Shop Fronts To Get Art Project Make-Overs
Plans to give empty shops in town centres a new lease of life have been announced.
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson plans to change the law to allow community groups to use empty shop fronts for non-commercial purposes without paying full rates.
Under current laws businesses are penalised for making alternative use of empty premises.
Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, Glyn Roberts, welcomed the move saying that while retail was a crucial element in town centres,
arts projects add something too.
He commented: "If these vacant shops can be used to help these groups in a short term basis I think that is a very positive thing. It could take away from the awful look in some areas with the shutters down on many shops."
(JG/GK)
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson plans to change the law to allow community groups to use empty shop fronts for non-commercial purposes without paying full rates.
Under current laws businesses are penalised for making alternative use of empty premises.
Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, Glyn Roberts, welcomed the move saying that while retail was a crucial element in town centres,
arts projects add something too.
He commented: "If these vacant shops can be used to help these groups in a short term basis I think that is a very positive thing. It could take away from the awful look in some areas with the shutters down on many shops."
(JG/GK)
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12 March 2014
Businesses Encouraged To Take Up Rates Relief Scheme
Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has encouraged Northern Ireland businesses to make use of the Empty Retail Premises Rate Relief Scheme, introduced to help revitalise local towns and cities. The Minister made the comments as he was paying a visit to Gillian’s Barber Shop in Newtownards, County Down, which has recently availed of the scheme.
Businesses Encouraged To Take Up Rates Relief Scheme
Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has encouraged Northern Ireland businesses to make use of the Empty Retail Premises Rate Relief Scheme, introduced to help revitalise local towns and cities. The Minister made the comments as he was paying a visit to Gillian’s Barber Shop in Newtownards, County Down, which has recently availed of the scheme.
19 November 2012
NIRC Shop Vacancy Survey Results Described As 'Shocking'
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has described the NIRC Shop Vacancy survey findings as "shocking". The surbey shows that 1 in 5 local shops are now vacant and that Northern Ireland has not just the highest shop vacancy rate in the UK, but nearly twice the national average.
NIRC Shop Vacancy Survey Results Described As 'Shocking'
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has described the NIRC Shop Vacancy survey findings as "shocking". The surbey shows that 1 in 5 local shops are now vacant and that Northern Ireland has not just the highest shop vacancy rate in the UK, but nearly twice the national average.
01 June 2021
Businesses Damaged By Blaze In Portstewart
An investigation has launched after a number of businesses were damaged by a blaze in The Diamond in Portstewart. The alarm was raised at 5am on Monday, however fire crews were called back at around 9.30am. A chip shop, coffee shop and hairdressers were damaged as a result. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
Businesses Damaged By Blaze In Portstewart
An investigation has launched after a number of businesses were damaged by a blaze in The Diamond in Portstewart. The alarm was raised at 5am on Monday, however fire crews were called back at around 9.30am. A chip shop, coffee shop and hairdressers were damaged as a result. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
21 February 2012
NI Has Highest Shop Vacancy Rates In UK
Northern Ireland has the highest shop vacancy rates in the UK according to recent figures. Research carried out by the British Retail Consortium has revealed that 14% of shops across the country are lying empty and this is compared to a national rate of 11%.
NI Has Highest Shop Vacancy Rates In UK
Northern Ireland has the highest shop vacancy rates in the UK according to recent figures. Research carried out by the British Retail Consortium has revealed that 14% of shops across the country are lying empty and this is compared to a national rate of 11%.
25 September 2015
Toy Shop Owner Jailed For Five Years
A self employed children's toy shop owner has been jailed for five years for attempting to smuggle Class B drugs into the UK in containers of toys. Kristopher Scott, 33, from Ballymoney, was arrested in November 2013 after Border Force officers seized 24kgs of Methylmethcathinone in childrens ride on cars and mechanical fish.
Toy Shop Owner Jailed For Five Years
A self employed children's toy shop owner has been jailed for five years for attempting to smuggle Class B drugs into the UK in containers of toys. Kristopher Scott, 33, from Ballymoney, was arrested in November 2013 after Border Force officers seized 24kgs of Methylmethcathinone in childrens ride on cars and mechanical fish.
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