Cathedral Parish object 'strenuously' to proposed Civic Hub

Newry Cathedral Parish have "strenuously" objected to plans by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to build a civic hub/ council offices in the car park behind the Cathedral and further state their belief that "the Council is putting its private interest before the public interests"

Their objections have been submitted to the planning authorities on their behalf by Matrix Planning Consultancy. Planning permission is being sought for the "Proposed Civic Hub building accommodating council room, meeting rooms, council offices and associated ancillary accommodation. Associated public realm works to part of existing surface car park"

The correspondence states concern about a cumulative net loss of public car parking spaces which it states amounts to 304 when combined with the Newry Health Hub. The parish also expresses its concern over the proposals impact on listed buildings and their vistas in the vicinity.

The Civic Hub/ Council Offices is one of three major projects being taken forward in Newry City by council currently, the other two being the new Theatre Conference Centre and Newry City Park.