Write a commentIt has long been suggested that a new hotel built on Hill Street in Newry could be the catalyst to start the rejuvenation of the entire area.
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That could just be about to happen, after an application was lodged for planning permission for a 40 bedroom hotel on the site of the present Toners Furniture store. The hotel would extend right through to The Mall taking in the two listed buildings.
At present Hill Street has very little footfall after 5pm so a focal point on the street could contribute to returning the street to it's former glory, a time when several hotels operated including The White Cross and The Boulevard.
Newry has just two hotels in operation at present, the city centre Canal Court Hotel and the Mourne Country Hotel on the Belfast Road.
The application by Mamboscope Developments ltd, Belfast proposes a change of use from existing retail/storage to 40 bedroom hotel with restaurant, gymnasium and coffee shop. It would involve demolition of existing single storey infill and creation of four storey infill extension with reinstatement of existing window openings on rear elevation.
The site covers 90 Hill Street and 10 The Mall, a beautiful red bricked 4 storey building.
Drawings of the proposed hotel show existing frontage of both premises left much as is.
Both buildings are listed. 90 Hill Street was built 1820 - 1839 and was valued at £42 in 1835!
Number 9/10 The Mall is a former warehouse constructed 1900 - 1919. The listing suggests that it was erected in late 19th century as a tea warehouse and was occupied by Martin, Nesbitt and Irwin from 1914
