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A temporary community space at the entrance to the Newry City Park site officially opened yesterday 4 December following a recent award of £220,000 to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council from the Department for Communities (DfC).
The funding has allowed for an upgrade of part of the Albert Basin site for temporary community use while work progresses on Newry City Park.
Local stakeholders and community groups had expressed a wish to use the space for various activities, and following completion of the works the Council is pleased to open bookings for the facility.
Work carried out at the interim community space included levelling works, bitmac resurfacing, fencing, electricity and water provision and storage facilities.
Speaking after an event yesterday where Council also announced that access to £16.2m of funding to build phase one of the Newry Park had been signed off, Neqrwy City Councillor Geraldine Kearns said “This space will allow the community to use part of the site in the time ahead until the park is completed.
“With the £16.2 million now in hand, the council must press forward in delivering this exciting and ambitious project and build a first class park for the people of Newry City.
“People across Newry and beyond are understandably excited to see this project completed and Sinn Féin will continue to work with everyone in seeing this park built to help transform Newry City Centre."
It is anticipated the site will host events such as small concerts, drama productions, film showings, free play opportunities and outdoor fitness activities. The area at the William Street entrance to the main Albert Basin is already used by several organisations, however the DfC funding allowed the Council to improve infrastructure at the location and open it up for further community use.
Any community groups that would like to use the space can book it via email to leisureandsport@nmandd.org
