Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has officially launched the masterplan for Newry City Centre.
The masterplan provides the strategic vision and guidance for the regeneration and development of Newry city centre over the next 10-15 years
The proposals include:
- creating a world class waterfront by capitalising on the river and canal that runs throughout the city centre;
- nurturing a unique, creative quarter for the arts and culture around the Town Hall, Basin Quay and the Arts Centre;
- regenerating Hill Street and Monaghan Street by carrying out a major £1.7million public realm scheme and improving the connections with the rest of the city centre;
- establishing a new network of city parks;
- integrating the Buttercrane and the Quays into the city centre retail area;
- creating a long term vision to reconfigure existing streets and spaces, and
- developing a new flagship city quarter comprised of high-quality mixed-use development in the Albert Basin.
Minister McCausland said: “Newry is a confident city with a strong entrepreneurial merchant spirit and in recent years the city has also developed a reputation for being one of our best shopping destinations. The launch of the Masterplan sends out a strong message that Newry now wants to take the next step and become an international city. The masterplan proposals show how the city can capitalise upon its many unique assets to achieve this vision and secure its ongoing success and prosperity. There are many exciting and ambitious proposals contained within the masterplan such as the exceptional opportunity to create a world class city centre waterfront by capitalising on the two waterways that flow through the city. Newry is renowned throughout the world as a welcoming destination and I am confident that the masterplan launched here today will the support this vision to guarantee a high quality of life for all and a warm welcome to those who visit.”
During his visit to Newry, the Minister took time to go on a walking tour to learn more about the regeneration opportunities contained in the masterplan and to see the where the planned public realm works are due to commence in January 2012.
The Minister continued: “The Northern Ireland Executive’s planned investment of £1.5 million in Hill Street and Monaghan Street is good news for the people of Newry and the many residents and visitors who will come to the city. Making the streets more accessible and creating a safe and welcoming environment will help to make the city centre more vibrant for years to come.
Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Councillor Charlie Smith, said: “On behalf of Newry and Mourne District Council, I welcome the publication of the Newry City Masterplan. This has been developed following very detailed and considered consultation and the views of many have been taken on board. This provides Newry City with a strategy to move forward and best develop our City Centre for the future. The challenge now is implementing this vision and I look forward to all the relevant government agencies working in partnership to fund and deliver this Plan.”
James Hennessey, project manager from the Paul Hogarth Company, said “”From our analysis of Newry, it became clear that the City Centre is bursting with potential. Those opportunities, combined with the energy and enthusiasm of its people, make the future of Newry City Centre a tantalising prospect.”
The masterplan is available to view on the DSD website,
on Facebook, and on the Newry and Mourne District Council website.
The new Belfast Metropolitan College was recognised for its design quality and commitment to sustainability, winning the Environmental Project of the Year at the Sustainable Ireland Awards. The streetscapes and a show piece central courtyard were designed by The Paul Hogarth Company.
