Write a commentNewry, Mourne and Down Council have recommended that the Abbey Way site in Newry is selected as the location for the new Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Civic Centre (Civic Hub) The site sits behind Newry Cathedral.
The decision was made at tonights Strategy, Policy and Resources committee meeting in Downpatrick with 6 voting for, 1 against and 4 abstentions. The decision will now go before the full council meeting in September for ratification.
At present the Abbey Way site contains a two level car park and Lower Water Street surface car park.
Public Realm works are also part of the proposal with the stated aim of reinforcing the quality of the new public places, making the city more open and permeable, less car dependant and more sustainable.
Council officers stated that Abbey Way was proposed as the location for the Civic Hub due to its historic city core location and anticipated regenerative impact, its proximity to Abbey Way as key transport linkage, its proximity to Newry Cathedral and opportunity to place make, its ability to link through to Hill Street and wider Public Realm proposals and its availability for development.
The recommendations made were presented to the Special Projects Working Group 31 July.
Twenty million pounds has already been allocated within the councils capital budget for the Civic Hub and a theatre conference facility at the Town Hall/ Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.
