Strabane businesses are encouraged to vote in the Love Strabane renewal ballot, which closes on Thursday 15th October. The vote will determine whether the Business Improvement District continues for a third term, supporting the town centre from November 2026 to October 2031.

Developed through consultation with local businesses, the proposed Business Plan sets out a £650,000 five-year budget, combining £450,000 in business levy income with £200,000 from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The plan focuses on five priorities:

  • Promoting Strabane and its businesses
  • Attracting investment and reducing vacant premises
  • Ensuring traders influence the town’s future
  • Providing practical business support
  • Create a welcoming, active town centre

For traders, this means coordinated marketing campaigns, continued development of the Love Strabane Gift Card, events to increase footfall and support for the evening economy. Renewal would also retain a dedicated Town Centre Manager to represent businesses, provide advice and help them access relevant support.

Strabane’s shortlisting for UK Town of Culture 2028 adds to this momentum. It recognises the creativity and ambition of the town’s communities and offers an opportunity to raise Strabane’s profile, attract visitors and showcase its cultural identity. A coordinated business community can help translate that attention into local trade, encouraging visitors to explore the town’s shops, cafés, restaurants and services.

Alongside major regeneration and public realm investment, the Town of Culture bid makes this an important moment for Strabane. Love Strabane provides a way for businesses to shape that change together and ensure traders’ needs remain part of the discussion.

We encourage eligible businesses to review the Business Plan, vote and return their postal ballot promptly, following the instructions provided, ahead of the 15th October deadline.

If you have not received your ballot paper or need guidance, contact info@lovestrabane.com.