Write a comment
The planning application for the proposed Newry Civic Centre is once again returning to a Newry, Mourne and Down District Council planning committee for them to consider its approval. The planning application was lodged in March 2023.
Last seen at the 30 April 2025 planning committee meeting the application for the proposed Civic Hub at Abbey Way was deferred until further notice at that meeting so that legal concerns could be addressed.
The proposed building would include a council room, meeting rooms, council offices and associated ancillary accommodation. Associated public realm works to part of the existing surface car park is also included.
The controversial project has met with a cold reception from Newry Cathedral Parish who stand to lose a large amount of their existing car park, while the Newry business community has also expressed their concerns.
Recommending the project for approval an addendum document explains "The Planning Department fully appreciates there is continued opposition to this application from third parties, however having assessed and interrogated all information provided, consider there is sufficient information available to make an informed decision, whereby the proposal complies with all relevant planning policies.
"Accordingly, approval is recommended subject to a number of conditions."
Conditions include a requirement for Council to build a retaining wall alongside the Abbey Way dual carriageway and indemnify the Department for Infrastructure for 120 years against any claims or failures in the public road "arising from the implementation of the new civic hub and retaining wall"
Another condition is that council have to provide a shuttle bus for employees and members of the public from a proposed Cecil Street car park to the Civic Hub at 20-30 minute intervals from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
The Planning Committee once again will consider their decision at the 10am meeting this Friday 30 May at the former Council HQ at Monaghan Row.
