Demolition work begins at Newcastle Centre site

Demolition work begins at Newcastle Centre site

19 October 2022

DEMOLITION work is underway at the rear of the Newcastle Centre to pave the way for a multi-million pound redevelopment.

Aerial shots taken by photographer Sean Hennessy show contractors bulldozing the rear extension which houses an auditorium at the Central Promenade building.

The demolition work — which is expected to continue for some time —  is part of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s proposal to provide an ultra-modern leisure complex in the heart of the resort.

As part of the ambitious redevelopment programme the outdoor Tropicana swimming pool will also be demolished to pave the way for a major new extension which will be bolted on to the side and rear of the existing Newcastle Centre which enjoys protected status.

Part of the Tropicana’s water slide has already been demolished as contractors use heavy machinery to demolish the two storey extension at the rear of the centre which was added over three decades ago.

It is understood that the new complex will feature an indoor leisure pool which will include three 30 metre swimming lanes and a dedicated heated play pool for children. The eagerly-awaited new leisure facility will also feature an ultra-modern gymnasium.

Redeveloping the existing centre has been ruled out due to the scale of the costs involved and it’s understood that the planned new-build will be larger than the current building which is listed, posing major problems for Newry, Mourne and Down Council in transforming it into an energy efficient facility which meets current building regulations and standards.

Last year, it was revealed that an economist and team of expert consultants would be appointed to design the new leisure facility, with the local authority adding an additional £450,000 to its capital programme to help deliver the new complex.

The planned investment at the current Newcastle Centre housed in the Annesley Buildings is also a key plank of the local authority’s capital investment programme

And while some concern has been expressed about the decision to remove the outdoor slide at the Tropicana, it’s being argued that given its current condition, the work is necessary and will also provide room for the planned new-build.

Detailed work has already been carried out at the town centre site, including geotechnical surveys which examined ground conditions to provide architects and designers with key information ahead of construction work getting underway.