Over £1.7m to be invested in Newry City Centre

A new public realm scheme has been announced for Newry as part of the Department for Communities’ commitment to the regeneration of the City Centre.

Newry Public Realm

The scheme will focus on improving and enhancing the streetscape at the lower end of Hill Street and John Mitchell Place, and the adjoining streets of O’Hagan Street, Mill Street and St Colman’s Park.  It is due to get underway in January 2020.

The Department for Communities (DfC) is providing over £1.6m with a further £177,000 coming from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Announcing the scheme, Louise Warde Hunter from DfC said: “This is a substantial investment from the Department in a vital retail area of Newry City.  It will complement previous public realm works and assist in making this part of the City centre more appealing, supporting the local economy in Newry.  The investment, and the improvements it will deliver, are a tangible example of how the Department is supporting our city centres and all those who shop, live or trade in them now and in to the future.”

The public realm scheme will be managed by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. 

Chairperson, Cllr Charlie Casey of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council commented: “This third phase of Environmental Improvements to Hill Street and its associated side streets, will make a huge difference to one of the most historic parts of our city centre.  The lower Hill Street area, is a busy and vibrant place, with many indigenous businesses.  The scheme promoters, along with Newry BID, look forward to working closely with traders and others throughout the project to minimise disruption and maximise the benefits of the scheme.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption L-R: Catherine McInerney, Department for Communities; Councillor Liz Kimmins; Robert Preston, Project Manager AECOM;  Liam Hannaway, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chief Executive; Louise Warde Hunter, Deputy Secretary for Department for Communities, Eamonn Connolly, Manager Newry BID, Councillor Valerie Harte and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey.
2. The new public realm scheme will be a high quality design using natural materials including bespoke details which will reflect the town’s history and conservation status. It will include footpath and lighting upgrades, undergrounding of overhead cables, access improvements to St Colman’s Park, new pedestrian crossings and partial road re-surfacing. 
3. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3516 or e-mail.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 90378110. 
4. Follow us on Twitter- @CommunitiesNI.

Share this page