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A local representative from The Workers Party has called for the council to recommit to including a full range of facilities promised in the proposed Albert Basin park, including a much sought after skatepark. Locals have been calling for a skatepark in Newry for well over 20 years to no avail.
It follows last weeks agreement of an Outline Business Case on the park by Councillors, which is to be submitted to the Department for Communities in order to release £16.2M of funding. The OBC doesn't include many of the facilities requested by the public in the August 2020 Albert Basin Park Consultation. A skatepark, marina, bridge connections between the Quays and the Warrenpoint Road, pond, fountain, outdoor exercise equipment, cafe, boat storage and many more are not included in the councils OBC which they claim is Phase One, although an outline of what the park would look like after all the phases have been completed either doesn't exist or hasn't been made public!
Nicola Grant from The Workers Party has called on the Department for Finance to act immediately to re-assure local people that the £16.2 million funding for the Albert Basin Park project is secure and will remain available to the Council and the project development team.
Grant said “There is considerable concern locally that slippage on the original timetable may result in a loss of funding or major changes to the Albert Basin Project”
She added “This scheme represents a very significant development for our city and surrounding areas. It is imperative that public assurances on its funding and future are clear and unambiguous. Those statements must be provided immediately”
“It is also vitally important that the Council and the project team recommit to including the full range of initiatives and facilities as originally promised, including the Skatepark which featured so highly in the public consultation. Concerns and speculation will only grow if a full and thorough update on the funding and facilities is not forthcoming” Grant concluded.
