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Yesterday saw the first meeting of a new Working Group set up by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to 'respond to the findings of a consultation on the proposals put forward as part of the Belfast Region City Deal investment' This includes the new Theatre and Conference facility, Civic Centre/ Council Offices and public realm works as part of the Newry City Centre Regeneration scheme.
The Working Group, is made up of stakeholders from throughout the local community including representatives from Newry Chamber of Commerce, Newry BID, Newry Parish, the Arts in Newry, Councillors and officials. The group is chaired by Damian Mullholland, Department for Communities.
Yesterday's meeting held at the new Thomas Davis GFC Complex gave stakeholders the opportunity to discuss their concerns.
Speaking after the formation of the Group, the Co-chair of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said “It is important to the Programme Board, that the Council takes careful steps to ensure we make the right decisions and have taken the time to engage with residents, businesses and other stakeholders. We want to have a clear and positive way forward to deliver the very best for the city, for residents, visitors, businesses and other investors.”
Cllr Mulgrew added, “Continuing to engage and work with the local groups on the project is a very important stage in the process for the regeneration of Newry City Centre. I welcome the inclusion of the local churches as members of the Group and look forward to working with all key partners to progress what is a very exciting project for the city of Newry.”
Co-chair of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board, Councillor Gary Stokes, was also delighted to support the establishment of the group, “The Working Group is hugely important in ensuring we consider opinion from all stakeholders from throughout Newry in the development of this transformational project. We are determined to make sure Newry is regenerated for the benefit of everyone who lives and works in the city and their recommendations will help shape our work in the future.”
The Council will work with the range of partners to develop infrastructure projects such as the Southern Relief Road, as well as the regeneration of Newry City Centre to include public realm, theatre, conferencing and innovation space. The focus is on delivering modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure, such as the development of new grade A offices in the city, an enhanced night-time economy with new event space, as well as a host of other projects.
Damian Mulholland, Department for Communities who is chair of the new Working Group commented, “The establishment of this Working Group is a vital mechanism to engaging with the wider community of Newry City, to consider the issues raised in the consultation process, to deliver a reinvigorated and regenerated city centre that everyone can be proud of and own.
“The importance of NCCR cannot be underestimated for the city, the transformation projects will create the conditions which will allow the city to flourish.”
An announcement in late 2021 from the NI Executive for £16.2 million for the Albert Basin Park project will also see a world-class city park created in Newry. This is central to the Council’s vision for the regeneration of Newry City Centre and will provide a welcome attraction for visitors and residents alike, offering an accessible and sustainable sanctuary in the centre of the City.
