Praise for officials over vision for town

Praise for officials over vision for town

7 May 2025

REGENERATION officials in Downpatrick have been praised for ambitious plans to rejuvenate the town centre.

Several million pounds are being invested in a number of schemes designed to provide a much-needed makeover, boost the economy and create new jobs.

Plans for a 54-bed boutique hotel are at the heart of an ambitious plan to redevelop Downpatrick’s  former police base site and a number of empty, adjacent buildings in Irish Street.

Concept designs for the exciting development, which includes a 10,000 square feet retail space and a private apartment block, were unveiled last week by the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.

This September, developers will be asked to submit bids to redevelop the Irish Street site as part of what is being described as a “transformational” town centre project.

Plans for a £3m environmental improvement scheme in Church Street and De Courcy Place have been outlined, with an upgrade of St Patrick’s Avenue also in the pipeline.

Work is also underway to transform the Grov, while a new £500,000 urban sports park featuring facilities for skateboarders and bikers well underway at Dunleath Park.

Work on a major town centre resurfacing scheme was completed recently with regeneration officials delighted with the support from the Department for Infrastructure.

It has been confirmed that roads engineers are currently examining ways to help address town centre congestion and a possible pedestrianisation scheme.

Improving town centre links is another key strand of the regeneration blueprint to encourage people to sample the many facilities the town has to offer including its historical sites, heritage railway and racecourse.

Downpatrick councillors Oonagh Hanlon and Philip Campbell and former councillor Dermot Curran have enthusiastically welcomed the redevelopment proposals.

Cllr Hanlon said the launch of the new regeneration programme was a major step forward for Downpatrick with significant investment targeted at infrastructure, public realm schemes and local business support. 

“I am committed to ensuring that local people are at the heart of this process and that the town’s full potential is realised,” she said.

“Working as part of Downpatrick Regeneration Group we want the  town more accessible, vibrant, and economically resilient for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

Cllr Campbell described the launch of the redevelopment blueprint as “an exciting day for Downpatrick.”

He promised to work with all the key players involved to ensure the regeneration delivers “real results,” socially, economically and culturally the town and its people.

Cllr Campbell added: “The launch of the regeneration project marks the continuation of a collaborative journey focused on restoring Downpatrick’s role as a thriving, inclusive and forward-looking town centre.”

Mr Curran hopes developers will come forward with bids to redevelop the Irish Street site and has welcomed plans to provide the successful bidder with some financial support.

He said Downpatrick wants to make the most of its county town status and believes the redevelopment of the former police base will help increase footfall and boost existing businesses.

Cllr Curran said there has been a lot of hard work to help the town recover from the catastrophic flood of November 2023 which decimated businesses.

“Things have certainly improved since then and it is important Downpatrick continues to progress,” he continued.

“Several million pounds is being invested and it’s essential we remain positive and talk up the town. The exciting regeneration plans can secure new, private investment and the suggested boutique hotel and retail space will create jobs. The redevelopment of the Irish Street site will also create jobs in the construction industry.”

Cllr Curran said while it will take time to deliver the Irish Street schemes, the foundation for future success is being built.

And he said the £3m to upgrade Church Street and De Courcy Place will make a major difference.

Cllr Curran added: “Church Street is the main gateway into the town centre and the planned resurfacing and public realm scheme is just what we need.

“First impressions count. That is why the work in Church Street to make the entrance to Downpatrick is welcome and the investment will send out a signal that the town is open for business. We want everyone to be proud of Downpatrick.”