Hopes are high that a new £3.4 million hotel could be built at Newry – bringing a substantial jobs boost to the area.
The development has been earmarked for a vacant site – currently identified as “grazing land” – on the old Dublin Road.
Previous plans had been submitted for such a development at the site.
The exact number of jobs which would be created is not known at this stage but is believed to be substantial.
An application for the development – in the name of Euro Route Food Services – has been submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for consideration.
It would be a two-storey hotel with car parking facilities.
It would include the provision of a large function and conference room and bar and 15 bedrooms – including a family room – on the ground floor.
The first floor would see a further 17 bedrooms – making a total of 32 – as well as a guest lounge and bar and library.
A design concept, submitted by Hilltown architect Karl Sherry as agent, insists there is a need for a new hotel in the area.
“The application offers an opportunity to provide much-needed hospitality accommodation within the south Armagh and Newry areas,” he states.
“The site is located adjacent to the Killeen Bridge on the old main Dublin Road beside the main Belfast to Dublin dual carriageway.
“The hotel will offer all the standard amenities and much-needed bedroom space.
“The hotel is designed to meet with all the Northern Ireland Tourist requirements and less abled clients are well catered for.”
It says that “ample parking and turning” will be provided to service the new hotel with an “in-out facility on to the main old Dublin Road”.
The development will also benefit from tree planting around the perimeter.
The application will be considered by officials and a decision is expected within the next few months.
