Council release images of what Newry City Park will look like

Council have released images of what the proposed Newry City Park will look like when completed including the play area, urban sports area, building for canoes and a nighttime scene. The planning process for phase one of the park is expected to conclude in the coming months according to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council which if it happens should see works getting underway later this year.

This week the process was launched to select a contractor for construction. This stage of this procurement process will identify suitable suppliers and will conclude with invitations to tender for the project. 

Prior to this a community consultation has been helping shape final designs for Newry City Park.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell has welcomed the procurement process getting underway. “Thank you also to everyone who took part so enthusiastically in the community engagement process. It’s part of our commitment to ensuring Newry City Park is an inclusive, welcoming space that responds to community needs.”

As part of an extensive engagement process, the Council, alongside PlayBoard NI sought input from local schools, disability groups and various sports groups to inform the park’s final design.

Five local post-primary schools and six local primary schools were among those taking part in the recent process. For the post-primary school engagement, 98 pupils participated from St Mary’s High School, St Joseph’s High School, Abbey Grammar School, Our Lady’s Grammar School, and Sacred Heart Grammar School. In addition, 160 pupils from six local primary schools took part, representing St Patrick’s The Meadow, Windsor Hill Primary School, St Joseph’s Meigh, St Moninna’s, Bunscoil an Iúir, and Rathore School.

Co-Chairs of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board Councillors Doire Finn and Declan Murphy also welcomed the latest developments. 

Cllr Finn said, “I welcome the recent progress made on the Newry City Park project. This is a much-anticipated investment in our community's future, delivering enhanced green space, recreational facilities, and a legacy for generations to come.”

Cllr Murphy said, “Newry City Park will greatly enhance the city’s appeal as a place to live, work, invest in and visit. With the procurement process underway we now look forward to the appointment of the successful contractor.”

Newry City Park is set to become a major destination for play, sport, leisure and outdoor recreation, supported by £16.2 million in Complimentary Funding being administered through the Department for Communities. The project will transform the Albert Basin into a vibrant, inclusive green space where people can relax, enjoy nature and take part in community events.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA spoke of the significant progress. "This major development will bring significant economic, health, and wellbeing benefits to residents and visitors alike. My department remains committed to working closely with the Council to support its successful delivery.” he said.

The design will reflect Newry’s heritage while incorporating modern, sustainable features. Planned elements include links to the Carlingford Lough Greenway, a sensory garden, premium play park, water sports zone, urban sports area and flexible event spaces, all supporting health, wellbeing and community connection.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Outline Business Case (OBC) for the park was approved by the Department for Communities in December 2023 and a Contract for Funding issued, opening access to £16.2 million from the Executive’s City/Growth Deal Complementary fund. The Council is also underwriting £2.4 million to deliver the 15-acre City Park as part of Phase One.