DEVELOPERS are being invited to bid for the right to build a £20 million signature project in Newry comprising a new civic centre and enhanced theatre and conferencing facilities.
It is among a number of infrastructure investment priorities within the Newry, Mourne & Down District Council area over the next decade and forms part of plans to regenerate the core city centre in Newry.
The £20m investment will focus on developing a modern purpose-built civic centre, replacing existing Council sites on Monaghan Row and Greenbank, and aligned to the civic centre will be the development of enhanced theatre and conferencing space in the core city centre.
It is likely to deliver a significant jobs boost to the area during the construction phase of the project as well as post-construction, and it will also regenerate the heart of Newry city.
And the Council is now keen to hear from developers with sites in core city centre locations.
It plan to run a competitive process commencing next spring to identify a partner(s) who can bring forward the plans. In tandem, the council has also undertaken a review of its own land and asset bank to identify any possible sites within its ownership.
Council chair Roísín Mulgrew said: “This significant investment and regeneration project will deliver a wide range of tangible economic and cultural benefits for the people of our city and reinforce our statement that Newry is ‘open for business’.”
She added: “We have a unique opportunity to invest in the traditional heart of the city, ensuring we deliver the infrastructure to allow Newry to realise its true potential as a city of importance and deliver greater economic growth and opportunities for everyone.”
Liam Hannaway, chief executive of Newry, Mourne & Down Council said: “The Council is putting a focus on delivering a number of key strategic projects including this investment, as well as, for example, the Southern Relief Road, to ensure Newry can reach its true potential.
“We are also focused on significant projects right across the Council area including Kilkeel Harbour Development Project, improved rural broadband, the regeneration of Downpatrick town centre and the Slieve Gullion and Camlough Lake natural tourism resources project to name but a few.”
He added: “Some of these projects may be funded through regional, local government or private sector investment.”
