A scheme to inject life back into the North's town centres is to be extended across the six counties.
The North's Housing Executive is to roll out its programme of Town Centre Living after the success of two pilot schemes in Lisburn and Derry - and following growing interest from many district councils.
Executive chief executive Paddy McIntyre said: "Living Over the Shop, a town centre living initiative, aims to promote private rented residential accommodation over shops in town and city centres as an added contribution to town centre regeneration."
He said it helped to protect and regenerate important buildings and streetscapes, and contributed to the town or city's daytime and evening economy. It provided sound investment opportunities for local retailers and developers, he added.
The Town Centre Living scheme is part of the Housing Executive's strategic role of linking housing to the broader regeneration in town and city centres.
Several district councils across the North have expressed interest in the scheme and the Housing Executive has now written to all others asking them to submit applications for Town Centre Living Initiative Areas for consideration.
Up to five new areas will be declared each year, with the first set expected to be announced early in 2006.