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A major step forward has been taken in Newry's city centre transformation with the appointment of Woodvale Construction Company to deliver the new Theatre and Conference Centre, marking the beginning of the delivery phase for one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the district's history.
The £21.3 million development will see the historic Grade II-listed Newry Town Hall renovated and a brand new multi-functional venue built on the site of the adjoining Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. The two buildings will be connected by a glazed atrium and will function as a single location, with pre-construction work beginning shortly ahead of building works starting in the summer.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, expressed his delight at reaching the contractor appointment stage. "I look forward to the new Theatre and Conference Centre in Newry delivering a vibrant programme of events for both residents and visitors," he said. "Our district is renowned for producing exceptional acting talent that has gone on to succeed on the world stage. Newry's proud theatrical legacy will continue, as a new generation of young performers, supported by their mentors, develop their passion for theatre in state-of-the-art facilities."
The new auditorium will feature 255 seats that can be used in various configurations, supported by cutting-edge audio visual and performance systems. When set up for conferences, the versatile space can accommodate up to 315 seats, while the historic 460-seater Newry Town Hall theatre will complement the new facility. An attractive public realm performance space at the rear of the venue will help regenerate the entire Sugar Island area.
Cllr Campbell also highlighted the wider economic benefits for the city. "The Theatre and Conference Centre will also help increase footfall in Newry City and support the night-time economy," he said. "Over the next decade the Newry City Centre Regeneration programme will strengthen Newry's role within the Belfast-Dublin Economic Corridor, building on its strategic location and offering sustainable growth within the city and across the district."
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA welcomed the contractor appointment, saying his department "is committed to the development of our cities, towns and villages and welcomes the significant opportunities now open to Newry following this major investment into its cultural infrastructure."
Robert Ewing, Managing Director of Woodvale Construction, said the company was proud to deliver the landmark project. "This is part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of the city, and we are committed to working closely with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to deliver high-quality, sustainable infrastructure that reflects the ambition of the district," he said. "As construction of the Theatre and Conference Centre gets underway, we look forward to creating local employment, supporting local supply chains and playing our part in building a prosperous future for Newry."
The Theatre and Conference Centre is part of a wider £64.4 million investment in the city centre, including a 15-acre Newry City Park, new public realm, office accommodation fund and a Civic and Regional Hub. Council are funding the vast majority of the theatre project with £5m from Belfast Region City Deal for public realm work at the Theatre and public realm work at the proposed Civic Centre and a suggested €5m from the Shared Island Initiative for the theatre, with the venue expected to open to the public in spring 2028.
Co-Chairs of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board, Cllr Declan Murphy and Cllr Doire Finn, both welcomed the latest developments. Cllr Murphy said: "We look forward to seeing the positive impact that the Theatre and Conference Centre and wider regeneration plans will have on the vibrancy of city life in the years ahead. We know there is much work still to be done but we are proud of our city and its potential and committed to delivering for the people of Newry and the entire district."
Cllr Finn added: "The Theatre and Conference Centre will help to position Newry as a leading regional centre for arts, learning, events, and culture. I look forward to further progress being made on this, and other projects, particularly Newry's City Park which I hope will enhance Newry's appeal as a place to live in, work in, invest in and visit."
Once on site, the projects are expected to create a range of skilled and semi-skilled jobs in the construction industry, supporting local employment and skills development. Local suppliers and service providers will also benefit through contracts and support services, while the completed venue will lead to long-term job creation across multiple sectors including retail, hospitality, the creative industries and public services.
As part of the Theatre and Conference project, the Council and the Department for Infrastructure are jointly advancing the design of an element of the wider Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme, which will form an integral component in supporting the delivery of the wider scheme currently under development.
With construction set to begin this summer, Newry is set to benefit from a world-class cultural venue that will cement the city's position as a key player in the region's economic and cultural landscape for generations to come.
