£3.75m investment in North Belfast to see three buildings transformed for community use

£3.75m investment in North Belfast to see three buildings transformed for community use David Williamson, Chair of the North City Business Centre, said the acquisition marks a turning point for the organisation and the surrounding neighbourhood 16:17, 08 Apr 2026 A major £3.75million investment in North Belfast will see three significant buildings transformed to provide community-based facilities including expanded workspace for new and growing businesses. ‌ The project is a collaboration between the Department for the Economy and the North City Business Centre and aims to help stimulate entrepreneurship, create new jobs, and expand community‑focused facilities in one of Northern Ireland’s most disadvantaged areas. ‌ A spokesperson for NCBC said: “For many years, our community enterprise has provided a neutral and welcoming space in an area once heavily divided. Our ambition to grow has often been constrained by a lack of suitable development sites. This major investment will change that.” ‌ The investment includes converting the former Rite Price showroom on York Road into modern small‑business units, redevelopment of the substantial Invest NI site at Duncairn Gardens and purchase of additional premises at Duncairn Business Park. The investment, secured via the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund for the 2025/26 period, will allow NCBC to grow its footprint to nearly 200,000 square feet. ‌ The Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald said the investment “represents a powerful commitment to the people of North Belfast.” She said: "By securing these three sites we are laying the foundations for long‑term economic renewal, job creation, and enhanced community infrastructure. North Belfast has enormous potential, and this acquisition ensures that local people and local businesses will be at the centre of future growth." David Williamson, Chair of the North City Business Centre, said the acquisition marks a turning point for the organisation and the surrounding neighbourhood. ‌ He said: “With Government funding of £3.75m and NCBC’s own capital expenditure, this will amount to a significant investment in the area over a number of years. It is our intention to extensively refurbish and restructure two of the sites to meet the specific needs of local businesses, which will allow us to attract many new and growing businesses and new local jobs to this highly disadvantaged area. "The development will also allow us to extend our wider work in the area, in partnership with other community based, public and private organisations to ensure the greatest local benefit from this investment.” Sinn Fein MP John Finucane added: “I want to commend Minister Caoimhe Archibald and North City Business Centre who worked hard to secure this vital funding, which will provide a great boost for our community.” Article continues below “I look forward to seeing these buildings transformed and do local workers and families reaping the rewards ahead.” For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.