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Despite the proposed Newry Civic Hub and the Newry Theatre and Conference Centre being subject to separate planning applications and separate approvals, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hasn't ruled out the possibility that the current application for a Judicial Review in regards to the Civic Hub will also delay the theatre project.
The theatre received planning permission 18 December 2024 and listed building consent August 2025. The JR application was sent 19 September.
The proposal at Bank Parade in the city is for a new four-storey theatre and conference centre extension to the Town Hall. Construction of atrium connecting theatre extension with town Hall. Demolition of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre and No. 2 Bank Parade. Alterations and refurbishment of Town Hall and Public Realm proposals to portion of Sugar island, portion of Needham bridge, portion of East side of Newry canal, area around Bank Parade and Kildare Street.
In a media query to council Newry.ie asked several questions including What is the delay in starting work on the Theatre, When will work start, Can theatre proceed if civic hub is delayed and When is Newry Town Hall open for bookings until? The only certainty it seems at present is that Newry Town Hall will remain open for bookings until at least the end of January 2026
In their reply a council spokesperson claimed that while both applications were separate, both are part of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme and the NCCR Business Case "relies upon all elements of the programme" adding "The Council is therefore working with its Belfast Region City Deal partners to determine what implications the application for Judicial Review of the Civic and Regional Hub planning decision has on the overall NCCR programme."
The reason that Belfast Region City Deal people are being consulted is the fact that £8m has been allocated specifically for public realm work which would feature outside both projects.
The council spokesperson said “The Business Case for the Newry City Centre Regeneration (NCCR) programme of works includes and relies upon all elements of the programme including the Civic and Regional Hub, Theatre Conference Centre, Public Realm and the Grade A Office Development Grant Scheme."
Mentioning the JR the spokesperson continued "A Pre-Action Protocol Letter for an application for Judicial Review in respect of planning permission for the Civic and Regional Hub (Application LA07/2023/2274/F) was received on 19 September 2025. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is subsequently managing matters relating to the application for judicial review through the appropriate legal process.
They added " The Theatre and Conference Centre and the Civic and Regional Hub projects are subject to separate planning approval and procurement processes, however, both are integral parts of the programme and are relied upon in the NCCR Full Business Case."
The Council say they are working with its Belfast Region City Deal partners to determine what implications the application for Judicial Review of the Civic and Regional Hub planning decision has on the overall NCCR programme.
The spokesperson concluded "No further comment on the programme can therefore be made at this time. Members will be kept informed as the outcome and implications of the application for a Judicial Review are fully established. Meanwhile, Newry Town Hall will remain open and take bookings up to the end of January 2026, and this will be kept under review."
