Ní Chuilín welcomes views on regeneration of major site in Downpatrick

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced the launch of a consultation to gather views on how a major development site in Irish Street, Downpatrick should be developed.

Ní Chuilín welcomes views on regeneration of major site in Downpatrick

The extensive site includes the former Police Station building which is owned by the Department for Communities and a council owned adjacent car park and strip of land running between the two sites.

The Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have worked closely to facilitate the creation of a larger development scheme in order to present a more attractive scheme for developers.

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said:

“This scheme is an excellent example of the Department and Council working together to regenerate Downpatrick town centre.  With the launch of this consultation, we are keen to hear from developers and the local community on how this site should be developed.  The development of the former PSNI Station and adjacent car park has the potential to transform the Irish Street area into a vibrant, attractive and cohesive place that is enjoyable for all. It will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre.”

Following the consultation period, it is the Department’s intention to offer the site for sale by way of 'Development Brief' as this process allows the Department to set out its regeneration requirements and conditions of sale for the site.  

Council Chairperson Laura Devlin, said:

“As Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I am delighted to see progress being made on the regeneration of this prime site in Downpatrick.  The opportunities presented are immense and I hope that the re-development will be able to progress as soon as possible.  The soft market testing for the project is a welcome first step in the progression of this exciting regeneration project.”

ARUP consultants have been appointed to oversee the consultation along with Lambert Smith Hampton estate agents.

The site details can be viewed via the online portal https://virtualengage.arup.com/irish-street where both developers and the wider public can view the Brochure and submit expressions of interest and general feedback. 

Comments should be received no later than 18 September 2020.

Notes to editors: 

1. The site occupies a strategic and prominent location in the heart of Downpatrick with excellent linkages to the town centre. Irish Street is situated just off the main shopping thoroughfare of Market Street, with the site having pedestrian linkages via the car park into Market Street.
2. This is a development opportunity site of approximately 1.80 acres (approx. 0.73 hectare). The site comprises a decommissioned Police Station and adjacent buffer buildings, and a surface level car park (approx. 75 spaces) accessible via the rear of the property.
3. For further information on the development site please contact Phillip Smyth on 028 9026 9228 or email at pssmyth@lsh.ie at Lambert Smith & Hampton Estate Agent.

4. Photo Caption: Department for Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín pictured with the brochure of the development site at Irish Street, Downpatrick, which is available via the online portal.

5. Media enquiries to DFC Press Office at Press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. 

6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The Duty Press Officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
7. Follow the Department on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

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