The Town Centre Living sub-group of the Lisburn Historic Quarter, strongly supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, aims to encourage people back into the city centre, particularly the Historic Quarter itself. New residents will contribute to Lisburn's mixed use regeneration, bringing increased vitality and 'ownership' and helping the development of the evening economy.

Town Centre Living has three main elements:

A L.O.T.S. pilot initiative is the current priority, focused on vacant and under used spaces in upper floors, particularly in the Bridge Street area. It is aimed at the private rented, affordable sector of the market. Progress to date is as follows:

-The Housing Executive Grants Policy has supported the pilot scheme.

-Studies are being prepared to show physical capacity, market potential and financial/cashflow considerations.

-A "demonstration" scheme has been completed in Bridge Street.

-A promotional package will be prepared to encourage further L.O.T.S. projects.

Overall there are encouraging indicators that it will be possible to build on current progress and develop a signifigant level of L.O.T.S. accomodation over the next ten years.

Quality new build housing is illustrated with the new apartments in Lisburn Square. To date the sub-group work has been focused on setting the context through assisting in the preparation of Lisburn's Strategic Investment Framework, particularly its public realm elements and its opportunity site proposals. This framework will enable the group to promote and influence future proposals so as to deliver quality housing and added value for the city centre.

The regeneration of older building stock through town centre living opportunities is reducing the levels of vacant floor space.