Write a commentNewry and Armagh MLA, Liz Kimmins, has welcomed progress on Newry City Centre Regeneration and City Centre Park, made at recent meetings of the Programme Board and Council committees.
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£150,000 was agreed towards appointing consultants to establish a detailed specification for a design team and to develop a concept design with costings.
The MLA said that these latest developments were further confirmation of Sinn Féin’s commitment to deliver a top-of-the -range 15 acre city centre park at the Albert Basin site in Newry City.
Ms Kimmins said “These meetings of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Board and Council committees are welcome developments.
"Sinn Féin’s position on our City Centre Park has been consistent. Our vision for the future of Newry has, at its centre, the construction of a top-of-the -range 15-acre city centre park at the Albert Basin site.”
The Newry MLA continued "We face the twin challenges of recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainties of Brexit. On top of this lies the legacy of over a decade of Tory imposed austerity which has choked our public services and communities of much needed support.
"The only way to recover from these difficulties is for Newry to grow, to create jobs and make Newry the destination for investors. Our response must be one of investment – in people, communities, infrastructure, public services, and local business.”
Her colleague, Councillor Declan Murphy, commenting following the meeting said that whilst this was a welcome development it was just a next step in the delivery of the Park.
The Councillor said “This is another welcome step towards the delivery of the City Park. However, more resources will be needed in the future. Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring these resources, and ultimately funding, for building the Park are made available when they are needed.”
Concluding the Slieve Gullion Councillor urged as many as possible to engage in the wider Newry City Centre Regeneration consultation.
“This Park, once completed, will be a shared space for all. It will make our area more attractive to live in, to work in and to invest in. The park will be a genuine community resource for our people. The people of Newry deserve a city centre park – and Sinn Féin are committed to delivering this."
Cllr Murphy added that he would urge as many as possible to engage in the wider consultations regarding the Newry City Centre Regeneration proposals.
