Write a commentAfter two years of little progress it seems like the Newry 2020 led campaign for a Public Park at the Albert Basin in Newry is at long last beginning to progress.
A tender has been published today by Newry, Mourne and Down Council on their Portal Hub for the "Delivery of Public Consultation Process to identify initial concept design for a 15-Acre Albert Basin City Park"
The tender documentation states Newry, Mourne and Down District Council require an independent facilitation of a community consultation process to identify the requirements of an initial concept design for the proposed 15-Acre Albert Basin City Park in Newry.
It adds that "Council have commitment to a full, 15-acre community park project on the Albert Basin site in Newry. The Council recognises that the Albert Basin site was given to the people of Newry in 1986 and that a commitment was given at that time to develop it as a recreation and amenity area for the generations of the future. It also recognises the work of community organisations in presenting their plans for the park through a petition with over 10,000 signatures.
The Council has committed to delivering a 15-acre park in parallel with other capital works projects in Newry within the next 4 years. The Albert Basin Park Working Group has been established to assist the Council with the identification, as well as the development and delivery of a 15-acre Park for Newry City."
Mentioning the vision for the park the tender says that it is "To regenerate Newry city centre, providing a world class city park attracting investment and promoting tourism, creating jobs and sustaining our environment."
The details state that the project should Reinforce Newry as a gateway between North & South, Contribute to the sensitive regeneration of Newry city centre, Attract further investment and job creation, Increase visitors to Newry and animation of the City and Provide a world class city park amenity for the City.
It's expected that the consultation process will be delivered over a 4 week period and will be completed in March. It should hear views on what should be included in the park, what the park should facilitate and challenges that may arise.
The appointed consultant will have to host a workshop for key stakeholders as well as organise 4 public workshops proposed for February 2020 (2 in Newry and 2 in Downpatrick) An online survey will also be designed.
Budget for the tender is expected to be £15K excluding VAT.
