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21/02/2012
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%.
This news further highlights the need for improved high streets and follows on from the recent review of UK high streets.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has already said that Northern Ireland is getting set to focus on improving its town and city centres.
Earlier in the month the minister said he planned to invite retail expert Mary Portas to Northern Ireland to help devise a plan to regenerate its town centres.
Minister McCausland said:"I support any initiative which can benefit our town and city centres which are clearly facing a difficult time in the present economic climate. Having seen the Portas Review, I have taken a number of steps as my Department continues to consider how we can best deliver support and regeneration in urban areas.
"Our focus should be on putting the heart back into the centre of our high streets, re-imagined as exciting social hubs for shopping, learning and socialising."
(LB)
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%.
This news further highlights the need for improved high streets and follows on from the recent review of UK high streets.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has already said that Northern Ireland is getting set to focus on improving its town and city centres.
Earlier in the month the minister said he planned to invite retail expert Mary Portas to Northern Ireland to help devise a plan to regenerate its town centres.
Minister McCausland said:"I support any initiative which can benefit our town and city centres which are clearly facing a difficult time in the present economic climate. Having seen the Portas Review, I have taken a number of steps as my Department continues to consider how we can best deliver support and regeneration in urban areas.
"Our focus should be on putting the heart back into the centre of our high streets, re-imagined as exciting social hubs for shopping, learning and socialising."
(LB)
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08 February 2012
Mary Portas Invited To NI
Retail expert Mary Portas is to be invited to Northern Ireland to help devise a plan to regenerate its town centres. This news comes as Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland considered a review by Ms Portas on the UK high streets.
Mary Portas Invited To NI
Retail expert Mary Portas is to be invited to Northern Ireland to help devise a plan to regenerate its town centres. This news comes as Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland considered a review by Ms Portas on the UK high streets.
23 March 2022
Revamped 'Back In Business' Scheme Launched
A revamped, more generous 'Back In Business' scheme offering businesses a 50% rates discount for up to two years if they occupy a vacant shop unit, has been launched by Finance Minister Conor Murphy. The Finance Minister hopes the scheme will give business owners who set up in empty premises help to get established in the first two years.
Revamped 'Back In Business' Scheme Launched
A revamped, more generous 'Back In Business' scheme offering businesses a 50% rates discount for up to two years if they occupy a vacant shop unit, has been launched by Finance Minister Conor Murphy. The Finance Minister hopes the scheme will give business owners who set up in empty premises help to get established in the first two years.
25 March 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.
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.
04 November 2024
Alliance Calls For High Streets Investment
Alliance has called for investments to be made in high streets ahead of today's town centre rejuvenation motion.
Alliance Calls For High Streets Investment
Alliance has called for investments to be made in high streets ahead of today's town centre rejuvenation motion.
16 December 2013
Shopper Numbers Drop Over 6%
November 2013 saw shopper numbers in Northern Ireland fall 6.3% compared to a year ago, according to new statistics released by the Northern Ireland retail Consortium (NIRC). Footfall was up on the 9.8% decline in October 2013, but Northern Ireland's figures are still lower than the whole of the UK, where shopper numbers were down 2.9%.
Shopper Numbers Drop Over 6%
November 2013 saw shopper numbers in Northern Ireland fall 6.3% compared to a year ago, according to new statistics released by the Northern Ireland retail Consortium (NIRC). Footfall was up on the 9.8% decline in October 2013, but Northern Ireland's figures are still lower than the whole of the UK, where shopper numbers were down 2.9%.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
