02/06/2026
BID WELCOMES DEVELOPMENT UPDATES FOR CITY CENTRE
Newry BID has welcomed a series of major developments across the city, as further signs of growing momentum and confidence in Newry’s future.
Speaking following recent planning committee approvals, Newry BID Manager Eamonn Connolly said it was encouraging to see a number of long-awaited regeneration and development projects approved at the same time.
Among the projects approved this week were plans for regeneration of the former arcade site at 8-18 Sugar Island and Bank Parade. The proposal by Downey Developments will bring the long-derelict site back into active use through the development of a new drive-thru restaurant, office accommodation and the reopening of the historic Carriage Arch access point. The scheme will also tie into wider public realm and regeneration activity linked to the development of Newry’s new theatre and conference facility.
Planning permission was also granted for the redevelopment of the long-neglected site at 46 Monaghan Street, at the corner of Patrick Street. The application by Tinnelly Construction Ltd, designed by CD Architects, will see the creation of a new ground floor retail unit alongside nine two-bedroom apartments. The scheme also includes bicycle parking, private outdoor space for residents and secure parking facilities.
The approvals come alongside a number of other significant projects already progressing across the city, including the Newry City Park development, the new theatre and conference centre and the recent sod cutting ceremony for Southern Regional College’s £14.5 million Newry Innovation Centre on Patrick St.
Eamonn Connolly, Manager of Newry BID, said: “Over recent years there has been understandable frustration at times around the pace of development and regeneration projects within the city. What is encouraging now is that we are beginning to see visible progress across a number of major schemes.
“These projects are all different in scale and purpose, but collectively they send a positive message about confidence in Newry and about the future direction of the city centre.
“It is particularly important to see long-derelict and underused sites being brought back into productive use. Developments which increase residential living, improve the appearance of key gateways into the city and create opportunities for business activity all contribute towards building a stronger and more vibrant city centre.”
Mr Connolly added that while there is still work to do, it was important for the city to recognise and support positive momentum when it begins to emerge.
“There is no single project that changes a city overnight. Regeneration happens through a combination of public and private sector investment over time with more to come in the next few weeks. Confidence is building and there is a growing sense that Newry is entering an important new phase of development.”
Thank you Colum Lynch Photography for the footage.
