Write a commentPlans continue for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s £20 million Newry City Centre Regeneration (CCR) Scheme involving a new Theatre/ Conference facility incorporating Newry Town Hall and a new build at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.
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A site behind Newry Cathedral has also been agreed as the location for Council Offices to replace Monaghan Row.
The council hosted a media briefing on Friday past where they discussed their plans and explained that the council has secured an additional £8 million from the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD),
Officials explained that this will allow significant additional public realm works to complement the Council’s existing investment plans for a new Civic Hub and Theatre/Conference facilities. The BRCD funding will also allow the provision of additional Grade A office accommodation within the city core.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “Investing within the historic core of Newry, our aim is to increase vibrancy and footfall in the city centre, stimulate further investment, and facilitate the regeneration of Newry City for the benefit of the entire district.
“The Theatre/Conference and Civic Hub facilities will form the foundation of the regeneration investment, with the additional BRCD funding creating new public realm links that will make Newry less car dependant and more sustainable for future generations.”
The BRCD funding adds to the progress being made on the Council’s City Centre Regeneration scheme.
Recent recommendations approved at the Council’s August Strategy Policy and Resources Committee included selection of the current Abbey Way car park as the site for the new Civic Hub, replacement of the existing arts centre with a purpose-built facility, alongside reconfiguration of the adjacent listed Town Hall and approval to proceed with concept design for the public realm works.
The Council approvals permit design teams to begin design development of all the projects, which will include engagement and consultation with a full range of stakeholders over the coming months.
