Old Downe Hospital site must be secured

Old Downe Hospital site must be secured

24 June 2015

AN appeal has been issued to the business consortium that purchased the old Downe Hospital site in Downpatrick to make sure it is secure.

The appeal comes after a number of youths were recently spotted on top of the old hospital which has been lying empty since its closure in 2009.

Residents who live in John Street which overlooks the seven acre site have previously reported seeing youths walking along the roof of the former hospital and this week councillor Colin McGrath urged its owners to make it secure.

The site — which had been on the market for five years — was sold last November for £600,000, but the identity of the purchasers was not made public.

The former hospital complex has been targeted by thieves, vandals and arsonists since it was vacated and has fallen into a particularly poor state of repair. The two remaining buildings at the site enjoy protected status and must be included in any redevelopment plan for a location which borders the Killough and Ardglass roads, John Street and Pound Lane.

Councillor McGrath expressed concern that the old buildings pose a danger to young people who are gaining access to the former hospital site.

“Several years ago there were a number of fires set at the the site which created difficulties for local residents,” he explained.

“Given the recent news that building work on a proposed social housing scheme at the site will not commence for a prolonged period, it is imperative this location is secured.”

Councillor McGrath said the ramifications for young people if they are walking on the roof of the old hospital “doesn’t bear thinking about” and is urging children and young people to stay clear of the site. 

He added: “I hope work to secure the site will be completed as a matter of urgency and the safety and wellbeing of all local people can be restored. There is increasing concern young people are able to access this particular site, given that the summer holidays are on the horizon.”

Councillor McGrath’s call for the former hospital site to be secured comes after the Recorder revealed last week that plans for a major new social housing development at this part of Downpatrick have been withdrawn.

Clanmill Housing was proposing to build 80 new social homes at the former hospital site but has confirmed the proposal has been aborted. But officials from the housing association have only now confirmed this has scuppered their plans to construct 80 new homes over two phases.