Work to scale back Newtownhamilton police station which has long “dominated” the village is set to begin next month.
It has been confirmed that phase one of the redevelopment will commence on Monday, November 3, with works expected to last around three weeks.
In January 2020, the then Chief Constable Simon Byrne initiated a review of policing arrangements in South Armagh.
As part of the review it was agreed that there would be a redevelopment of Newtownhamilton police station to make it fit for purpose for “modern, community-led policing”.
The review also stated that the legacy image of the current policing profile is further reinforced by the long-term underinvestment in stations at Newtownhamilton and Crossmaglen.
The interior facilities available to officers are “in a poor state of repair and the external appearance is run down and overbearing”.
It was further stated that Newtownhamilton Police Station “dominates the town, causing long running frustration due to the impact that security bollards have on the two-way movement of traffic and potential parking facilities in the Square”.
By way of an alternative, the redevelopment of the Newtownhamilton station complex is proposed to include aesthetic
replacement of external perimeter security fencing and upgrade of internal facilities.
This, according to the review, will “ensure a positive working environment for staff that facilitates productive community access across South Armagh”.
Now, the Newry Street perimeter of the former police barracks will be reduced as part of the first phase, allowing the road to reopen to two-way traffic for the first time in years — a move described as a “major step forward for local accessibility.”
While some disruption is expected during early to mid-November, the works are being hailed as a landmark moment in efforts to return public space to the community.
Sinn Féin councillor martin Hearty said: “This is a very welcome development and the result of sustained efforts by myself, Aoife Finnegan MLA, Dáire Hughes MP and many other Sinn Féin representatives and activists over the years.”
Cllr Hearty said that further phases are planned to remodel and reduce the footprint of the barracks, with Sinn Féin pledging to continue pressing for meaningful progress.
“We will keep working to return public space to the community and ensure Newtownhamilton continues to move forward,” he said.
