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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has welcomed planning approval for a new £7.4 million health and wellbeing hub in Warrenpoint, paving the way for work to begin on what is set to be a landmark facility for the town.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell welcomed the decision, saying the hub would cater for all generations. "The new Warrenpoint Health and Wellbeing Hub will make a major difference across the community and is eagerly awaited," he said.
Councillors on the Council's Planning Committee approved the application at a meeting on 25 February, determining that the benefits of the multi-million pound scheme outweighed concerns around a small loss of amenity space.
The two-storey hub at Clonallon Park will offer a wide range of facilities for residents of all ages. Family and child friendly provision will include a sensory room, creche and children's activity room with direct access to an outdoor terrace. The development will also deliver fitness programmes, a dance studio, a health and wellbeing garden area, and meeting spaces for youth and support groups. Dedicated arts, culture and heritage creative workshop areas will also feature, catering for the needs of the local arts community.
The development places a strong emphasis on environmental and sustainability initiatives, with plans for a community garden, landscaped green spaces and outdoor planted social amenity areas. Illuminated pathways around the building will connect to the existing path network, and landscape work will improve a steep section of the existing pathway to make it more accessible for less abled users.
Councillor Campbell added that the investment would have a broad impact. "This significant investment represents a boost for health and wellbeing in the Warrenpoint area, bringing people together under one roof in a dedicated facility to access a range of services and new opportunities. The new hub will be at the heart of the Warrenpoint community and is a game-changer for the town. It reflects Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's continued commitment to deliver modern facilities across communities."
Cllr Campbell also pointed to the economic benefits the project would bring. "The investment will help create jobs in the construction industry and in the new hub itself, providing an additional boost to the local economy."
