End of an Era as Buttercrane Manager Peter Murray retires

Staff at Newry's Buttercrane Shopping Centre as well as the wider community have paid tribute to Centre Manager, Peter Murray, who retired today, 5 June after more than 38 years at the helm. His departure marks the end of an era for one of the city's most recognisable commercial landmarks.

Peter joined Buttercrane in its earliest days, and his tenure has spanned the full arc of the centre's history since it officially opened on 10 November 1988. At the time, the opening represented a significant investment in Newry during a period of considerable economic hardship and high unemployment, bringing the first modern town centre retail space to the city.

Built beside the historic Newry Canal on a site long associated with local commerce, Buttercrane has grown considerably since those early days. The centre now supports around 900 jobs, contributes approximately £13 million annually to the local economy and currently holds an occupancy rate of 98 per cent. Anchor tenants include Primark, Dunnes Stores, LIDL and Sports Direct USC.

Over nearly four decades, Peter witnessed many well-known names trade from the centre, among them Wellworths, Stewarts Supermarkets, Connors Chemists, Virgin Music and Caroline Music.

Reflecting on his time at the centre, Peter said: "Originally when we opened, we had two supermarkets, no mobile phone shops and a limited food and beverage offering. The 90s also offered significant challenges on both political and economic fronts, but we stayed the course and continued to adapt to what customers wanted."

He added: "It's with a heavy heart I leave a job I truly loved. Buttercrane will always be a special place for me and I thank all those associated with the centre for their support, assistance and patronage over the years and wish them well going forward. The Centre will continue to flourish under new management as plans are in development for a major refurbishment in 2027."

Andrew Givan, Director of Property Management with Lambert Smith Hampton, said: "Peter has played an integral role in the success and development of Buttercrane Shopping Centre. His deep knowledge of the centre, his unwavering support for retailers, and his strong relationships within the local business community have been central to Buttercrane's continued strength and relevance."

Jim Whyte, Head of the Buttercrane Traders Committee and Sports Direct USC Manager, also paid tribute, saying: "Peter has made an outstanding contribution to Buttercrane Shopping Centre and to the wider Newry retail community over the past 38 years. His leadership, professionalism and commitment have helped shape the centre into the successful, modern retail destination it is today."

Recalling the opening day in 1988 Peter said: "My eldest son, is a week younger than this place. Here was meant to open earlier, and I said that's great, because that'll get that open, and then the baby will come along. Of course Buttercrane was delayed, and then Conor was delayed! We opened here one Thursday, and he arrived the next Thursday."

He added "It was literally down to the wire to get stuff done. Eamon O'Hare [O'Hare and McGovern]  would recall he was down at Dunnes entrance, down at Francis Street, he said he cut the last bit of mat and it dropped into place, and he leant back against the wall as the rush of customers came in".  And the rest as they say, nearly 40 years later ... is history.