A planning application has been submitted for Newry City Park, a transformative project poised to reshape the city’s landscape.
The 15-acre development at the Albert Basin site would create a world-class park for Newry residents, offering a vibrant community space designed to enhance health, fitness, and overall wellbeing, whilst also attracting more visitors to the city.
Details of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s application will shortly be available to view on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal. Newry City Park is part of the wider Newry City Centre Regeneration Project, with park features including: a sensory garden; an inclusive play park; changing facilities; an outdoor event space; water and urban sports areas; a plaza, and pop-up vending provision. These are complemented by woodland areas, green space, walking, cycling and running paths, with the park also upgrading links to Victoria Lock and the Greenway.
The Council’s Outline Business Case for the park was approved by the Department for Communities (DfC) and a Contract for Funding issued in December 2023 with up to £16.2 million available from the Executive’s Complementary Fund through DfC.
The Council is also investing £2.4 million of funding to deliver the 15-acre City Park.
The next steps for the Council’s Integrated Consultancy Team in line with the planning process would be contractor procurement and delivery on site through to completion in 2027.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons emphasised his department’s commitment to the development of cities, towns, and villages. “We are pleased to have been part of a collective effort with the Council, delivery partners, and the community, and welcome the submission of a planning application for Newry City Park.
“This development is set to enhance Newry as a place to live, work, and visit while providing significant health and wellbeing benefits for residents and the wider area.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, said, “Reaching this stage is a significant and hugely encouraging step for everyone involved. I want to extend my gratitude to all those who contributed to the planning application submission and to those who took part in the pre-application public consultation event in August. Alongside our partners, we remain committed to delivering a landmark park that Newry can be truly proud of.”
Co-chairs of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board, Councillor Declan Murphy and Councillor Doire Finn also welcomed the latest development.
“We appreciate everyone who has played a role in the submission of the planning application stage, including the community representatives on the Newry City Park Stakeholder Group, said Councillor Finn. “The work continues to secure planning permission, get construction work underway and bring this park to life for the residents of Newry.”
Councillor Murphy said, “We will continue to play a part in the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board to advocate for long-term investment into our City and assist with the practical delivery of key Newry City Centre Regeneration projects such as Newry City Park.”
