Stormont is set to roll out a new scheme aimed at helping town and city centres against the impacts of Coronavirus.
The Department for Communities said the Recovery Revitalisation Scheme has been introduced to "deliver measures that will help provide a safe environment for visitors, shoppers and workers within town and city centres here".
The £11m in funding, which will be delivered in two tranches to the 11 councils in Northern Ireland, has been granted to aid businesses in their economic recovery.
An initial £6m for immediate interventions has been allocated to the councils who will be able now to administer the funding in their area.
The remaining £5m from the Department for Communities will be issued later in the year, and will be used to address medium-to longer-term measures.
Some of the measures that have been identified include:
- Shop frontage
- Awnings/canopies
- Outdoor furniture
- Heaters for people queueing
- PA/Tannoy
- Digital screens and other signage
Communities Minister Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said the measures would help "reassure traders, shoppers and visitors that our town centres are open for business again in a safe way".
The Minister added: “As an Executive we are committed to supporting our town and city centres as they emerge from this pandemic.
"As restrictions have lifted, I appreciate that the current environment still presents very real challenges for businesses who are working hard to deliver for their staff, customers and community.
“Minister Hargey initiated this work and I am delighted that this much needed support is now available to provide a safer experience for anyone visiting, shopping or working in our town and city centres."
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) will use £1million of the funding for 'smaller settlements'.
Minister Poots added: “As lockdown restrictions are being eased and non-essential shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are opening for business it is vital that we restore visitor and worker confidence in our town centres and villages as being safe places to work, visit and shop."
