Public consultation launched on future of development site

1 July 2020

THE public has until September 18 to give its view on the redevelopment of a near two acre site in the heart of Downpatrick.

Acting Stormont communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín has formally launched the public consultation exercise to gather views on how the major development of the site should proceed.

In addition, developers are also being asked to submit expressions of interest in transforming the major site to help bolster the town’s economic recovery.

The Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down Council are driving the ambitious plans to redevelop a huge site encompassing the former Irish Street police base, a number of adjacent empty buildings and local authority-owned car park.

The development site stretches as far back as St Patrick’s Avenue and is also adjacent to the Irish Street car park, with council officials making a brochure containing details about the site available on line for people to view and make comment on what they would like to see developed.

Described as a “strategic and prominent location in the heart of Downpatrick”, senior council officials, politicians and members of the business community are excited at the Irish Street site’s development potential.

While the former police base enjoys protected status, it is hoped that potential developers will be able to come up with an imaginative plan for the historic building and that a preferred bidder will be appointed as early as October and as late as the end of the year.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the Department for Communities are keen to revitalise Irish Street and hope its redevelopment will act as a catalyst for the wider economic and social regeneration of the town.

The government department and local authority have worked closely to facilitate the creation of a development scheme in order to present a more attractive scheme for developers.

Launching the consultation, Ms Ní Chuilín described the Irish Street project as an “excellent example” of two organisations working together to regenerate Downpatrick town centre.

“With the launch of this consultation, we are keen to hear from developers and the local community on how this site should be developed,” she continued.

“The development of the former PSNI station and adjacent car park has the potential to transform the Irish Street area into a vibrant, attractive and cohesive place that is enjoyable for all. It will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre.”

The Stormont minister also confirmed that following the consultation period, it is her department’s intention to offer the site for sale by way of a ‘development brief.’

She explained that this process allows the government department to set out its regeneration requirements and conditions of sale for the site.

ARUP consultants have been appointed to oversee the consultation along with Lambert Smith Hampton estate agents with the next stage in the development process welcomed by local politicians, including South Down MLA Colin McGrath and councillors Laura Devlin, Dermot Curran and Oonagh Hanlon.

Mr McGrath is keen for local people to respond to the consultation on the future of the Irish Street site.

He said the people of Downpatrick had fought for many generations for the delivery of much-needed town amenities.

“Whether this has been for new hospital services or the delivery of an ultra-modern leisure centre, when the need of Downpatrick is raised, the community rallies together,” he continued.

“I want to encourage as many people as possible to rally together again and respond as fully as possible to this consultation which is going to be a major contributing factor to the future of Downpatrick.”

Mr McGrath added: “The government department has said its vision for the redevelopment is to transform the Irish Street area into a vibrant, attractive and cohesive place that is enjoyable for all and act as a catalyst for wider regeneration of the town. The time has come to see this project delivered.”

Cllr Devlin, the current chairwoman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, described the opportunities presented by the Irish Street proposal as “immense” and hoped the redevelopment will progress as soon as possible.

“The so-called soft market testing for the project is a welcome first step in the progression of this exciting regeneration project,” she added.

Cllr Curran is also encouraging people to respond to the consultation and to have an input into what he described as a “unique opportunity” and one of the biggest economic developments ever proposed for the town.

He added: “This project has the potential to change the face of retailing in the town centre by attracting more shoppers which will provide a boost for existing businesses. I am excited about the development site’s potential and hope that it won’t be too long before we see contractors on site.”

Details of the Irish Street site are available via the online portal https://virtualengage.arup.com/irish-street where developers and the wider public can view the brochure and submit expressions of interest and general feedback.”

Cllr Hanlon said the launch of the public consultation will allow potential developers and interested parties an opportunity view the site online, with all feedback on the way forward welcome.

“I would encourage the public to give to give its views ad ideas on the potential for the site, especially those who reside close to it with the feedback used to assist with the preparation of a development brief for the site,” she said.

“The Irish Street regeneration project provides an opportunity to invigorate Downpatrick town centre and restore a vibrant town centre, building on the ongoing regeneration of the Irish Street area.”

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