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A business case for a Newry sports hub on grounds named after a local legendary Northern Ireland goalkeeper has been approved.
The 'Multi Sports Hub' development will include playing fields for football, rugby and GAA at Jennings Park which is named after Arsenal and Spurs shot stopper Pat Jennings, who hails from Newry.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) Active and Healthy Communties committee discussed the report on the multi-million pound plans on Monday night (May 20) behind closed doors away from the media and public.
An ICT ( integrated consultancy team) is also to be appointment to guide the project through various stages including detailed design, planning approval, contractor appointment and delivery.
In open session, committee chairperson, Cllr Roisin Howell said: “On the multi-sports hub, it was agreed on the proposal of Cllr Aidan Mathers and seconded by Cllr Doire Finn to approve the business case and appointment of an ICT ( integrated consultancy team) utilising council’s current framework to advance the sports hub project as detailed in the report.”
In November last year, a statue of the goalkeeper was unveiled outside Newry Town Hall with Jennings and his family in attendance as well as former stars of soccer, Liam Brady, Gerry Armstrong and Ledley King paying tribute to one of the greatest keepers of all time.
The council committee decision will go forward to the next full council meeting to be ratified, although ‘Big Pat’ himself has already given it the nod.
