New working group to help Downpatrick

New working group to help Downpatrick

5 October 2022

A NEW group formed to help oversee the economic regeneration of Downpatrick intends to hit the ground running to help unlock the town’s future potential.

The Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group held its first meeting on Wednesday morning of last week and is determined to deliver for residents and the business community.

Aiming to work towards an ambitious shared vision for the town, local businessman Mal McGrady has been appointed the new group’s first chairman with Downpatrick area councillor Dermot Curran his deputy.

The group has a busy in-tray and various proposals will be discussed in granular detail over the coming weeks as the group plots its way forward to deliver positive results for the county town.

It’s understood that pedestrianising Market Street in the heart of the town centre is one proposal that will come under the spotlight, with the desired aim of  accommodating street side cafes, creating a new public space for events and dedicated area for shopping.

Significantly enhancing street cleansing is another pressing agenda item for the new group with some members keen to see a focus on developing the town’s night time economy.

Within the next few weeks, it is anticipated that members will be addressed by Simon Hamilton the chief executive of Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce who will also be speaking with members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee.

The formation of the new regeneration group comes after council officials were asked earlier this year to explore the feasibility of appointing a dedicated town centre manager. 

However, following a consultation exercise with the town’s business community, there was little support for the post, with the majority of those surveyed in favour of a dedicated regeneration working group.

Members of the Downpatrick business community have already made it clear they want to see Downpatrick “getting the attention it deserves” from Newry, Mourne and Down Council, arguing that in terms of investment, “Newry dominates the council’s agenda”.

There is also a degree of frustration over the lack of progress in pressing ahead with the ambitious multi-million pound plans to redevelop the former police base in Irish Street and a number of adjacent, empty buildings, but it is believed that progress is now being made.

The new group, which comprises local business, political and Department for Infrastructure and Communities representatives, says it recognises Downpatrick’s “huge potential” and insists that it will work towards what is being described as a “shared vision”.

In addition, the regeneration group plans to undertake a strategic review of the town centre, as well as working with a range of groups and initiatives already underway.

Its new chairman, said the creation of the group provides a “great opportunity” for all stakeholders and statutory bodies to work together to benefit Downpatrick.

“I want to work on priorities already identified as well as adding to the list, and identify short, medium and long-term solutions. The group will commence work right away,” added Mr McGrady.

Cllr Curran highlighted the need for everyone to work together to build on the positives already in Downpatrick.

He said it was also essential to recognise the “huge potential we have right on our doorstep” and to build upon it.

Cllr Curran added: “We will provide a platform for local businesses to help secure funding and drive new investment and footfall into the town centre.”

Cllr Oonagh Hanlon, who is also a member of the new group, said she was delighted to attend its first meeting which she described as “extremely positive”.

She continued: “The meeting discussed the future and revitalisation of the town, with the new group made up of individuals with a diverse and varied skillset bringing together business and  community experience alongside local councillors and officials and Departmental officials.

“There have been positive projects delivered already locally such as the Church Street revitalisation scheme, the new Dunleath Park walkway, the DownTime Festival and there are more projects in the pipeline to help revitalise Downpatrick.”

Cllr Hanlon said it was “imperative that everyone works collectively and utilises the talent and experience of the new regeneration group”.