Ritchie kicks off regeneration of Newry city centre

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced a further important step in the regeneration of Newry City Centre, through the launch of a master planning exercise

The master plan will present a framework within which detailed proposals can be developed for a mix of business, tourism, leisure, public space and housing that could be accommodated.

Margaret Ritchie said: “Newry has the opportunity to become an inspiring city centre and act as a catalyst for urban regeneration within the island of Ireland as a whole given its unique location on the Belfast – Dublin corridor. Like many other urban centres the city needs to reinvent itself in the face of changing economic, social and lifestyle trends.

“The draft master plan is intended to stimulate open discussion and debate. The consultation will include a number of public meetings to ensure that as many people as possible have an opportunity to hear what is being proposed and to make their views known. I will want to hear the views of the widest possible cross-section of people with an interest in Newry.

“Exciting times lie ahead for this new city, and I am already encouraged by the willingness of the private sector to get involved in this process through the Newry City Vision Team.”

Welcoming the announcement, Cllr John Feehan Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, stated: “The proposed Master-Planning exercise for Newry is an initiative that should be welcomed by all the districts citizens, as it offers an opportunity to put in place a blueprint for the long-term development of our City. DSD are to be acknowledged in terms of the funding being put forward to this initiative and that it was now vital that local agencies and wider public contribute to the detailed consultation process that forms a key element of the exercise.”

The master plan process will help build consensus among government bodies, council, local community and private developers on how to optimise development opportunities.

Notes to editors:

1. The masterplan will be prepared by the Paul Hogarth Company, a Belfast based firm of planning consultants who were closely involved with the Laganside development in Belfast.
2. The cost of producing the masterplan is £53,000.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out of office hours please contact Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.