Minister Launches Living Over The Shops Initiative

7 March 2006
MINISTER LAUNCHES LIVING OVER THE SHOPS INITIATIVE
Social Development Minister David Hanson today launched the Living Over the Shop scheme in Cookstown.
The scheme is part of the Housing Executive's Town Centre Living Area Initiative (TCLAI) and aims to promote private rented residential accommodation over shops in town and city centres.
The Minister said: "This initiative brings together two important areas within my Department, namely housing and regeneration. These go hand in hand. Having a decent energy efficient home brings many benefits in terms of health, employment and educational opportunities.
"Good quality housing is also essential for area regeneration and community development. As well as having a decent home to live in people also like to live in a pleasant and safe environment."
Following the success of the pilot schemes in Lisburn and Londonderry, the Housing Executive wrote to all District Councils asking them to submit applications for Town Centre Living Initiative Areas for consideration. Cookstown is one of four new areas to be given TCLAI status for 2006.
Both Cookstown District Council and the Housing Executive aim to deliver a high quality regeneration programme that also enhances the existing character of the buildings to create a vibrant town centre that can be enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike.
The Minister said: "I congratulate Banbridge, Cookstown, Dungannon, and Craigavon Councils in their achievement of Town Centre Living Area Initiative status this year. I would encourage those Councils that did not succeed in this year's round to persevere and I would say to those Councils that have not yet applied, do so.
"These initiatives, through partnership working, can help to encourage investment opportunities and create vibrant town centres that can be enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Each Town Centre Living Initiative will be pro-actively led and promoted by the District Council and the Housing Executive will provide support and advice.
2. A number of financial incentives may be available, including Housing Executive improvement grant aid, Townscape Heritage Initiative and tax relief for landlords through the Chancellor's Capital Allowances.
3. The maximum grant amount available under the LOTS initiative is Ł25,000 (Renovation Grants) or Ł30,000 (Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Grants). The Grant is set at 75% of the approved cost of the eligible works for landlords and is subject to a test of resources for owner-occupiers. Grants will also be available to convert a whole property into flats or a dwelling house for letting.

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