Ballyhackamore Traders Association Achieves Significant Milestone

Ballyhackamore Traders Association has achieved a significant milestone by being the first group to secure funding through the "Supporting Vibrant Business Destinations" initiative, led by Belfast City Council and financed by the Department for Communities Revitalisation program. The funding will bolster efforts to enhance the vibrancy and success of business destinations in the area, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of Ballyhackamore.

They'll be creating a covered event space to host markets and events, refreshing and relaunching a food tour for the area and raising awareness of the Ballyhackamore experience through a dedicated marketing campaign, including the development of a range of sustainable promotional goods.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, said: "Retailers, particularly those who are not in our city centre or on the High Street, have been hit hard by the pandemic and a much more challenging economic landscape recently. Our Belfast Agenda commits to growing a diverse and inclusive economy and the Supporting Vibrant Business Destinations pilot scheme is all about promoting economic growth throughout Belfast, by focusing on enhancing infrastructure, marketing, and animation along the city’s arterial routes.

"This important investment from the Department for Communities will help to strengthen Belfast’s competitiveness by supporting start-ups, independent retailers, social enterprises and cultural and voluntary organisations to attract greater footfall and spend."

Doreen McKenzie from Ballyhackamore Traders Association said: "This Vibrant Business Destinations funding will help us support our local traders by providing a new outdoor events arena that will stimulate economic activity and increase footfall and sales. We’ll also be putting in place a marketing campaign to raise Ballyhackamore’s profile as a fantastic place to eat, shop and live – which in turn will support our local businesses’ growth and development."