Traders offered input into Irish Street scheme

Traders offered input into Irish Street scheme

16 October 2019

BUSINESS owners in Downpatrick are to be given a key input into ambitious plans to redevelop the former Irish Street police station site and a number of adjacent empty buildings.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the Department for Communities are helping spearhead a an exciting retail and commercial proposal aimed at transforming the town’s economy, with both organisations working alongside the Province’s Strategic Investment Board.

Last week, the Recorder revealed that a development brief designed to transform the sprawling town centre site as part of a multi-million pound investment was being progressed, with hopes that the document could be completed before the end of the year.

During Monday’s meeting of the local authority’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee, 

council officials confirmed that town centre traders, Downpatrick councillors and relevant public agencies will be involved in discussions to guide the development brief process.

When the brief has been agreed, it will be advertised, inviting developers to come forward to transform the site to kick-start a significant town centre economic regeneration initiative. 

A formal launch of the brief is also planned before Christmas.

Marks and Spencer and Home Bargains are reported to be interested in opening new premises in Downpatrick and view Irish Street as an ideal location as there are currently no other suitable sites available.

The development brief will outline what the local authority would like to see developed in Irish Street to maximise the potential of every square inch of available space.

Permission has also been secured to purchase an outstanding piece of ground close to the Irish Street car park to allow the ambitious proposal to proceed.

It’s almost two years since it was revealed that the former police station site had been earmarked for a major economic regeneration initiative which could potentially include new housing.

It is understood that as part of the regeneration scheme, the vacant buildings adjacent to the former police base will be bulldozed to open up a huge area. The development site also includes the council-owned Irish Street car park.

However, the former police station — which enjoys protected status – will not be razed to the ground as part of the ambitious regeneration plan and is set to remain a key feature of the proposed redevelopment project.

Downpatrick councillors Dermot Curran and Oonagh Hanlon have welcomed progress on developing the brief for the Irish Street redevelopment.

Cllr Curran, who has been asking for traders to be involved with helping shape the development brief, is delighted this is going to happen to help shape the future development of the Irish Street site.

He said it is critical all key stakeholders are involved in what will be the biggest ever investment in the town centre.

Cllr Curran believes that with everyone on board at this early stage, the planned new retail and commercial centre has a significant chance of succeeding, providing a boost for all businesses in the town.

“This planned development can act as a catalyst for additional town centre investment, increasing footfall and providing a boost for existing businesses who have been at the backbone of the town’s economy for generations,” he said.

“While details of the Irish Street scheme were announced almost two years ago, significant progress is now being made. I have no doubt that the opportunity to redevelop a major town centre will appeal to many in the construction industry.”

Cllr Curran said the importance of the town’s business community being asked for its input into the redevelopment plan which has the potential to attract more shoppers to the town cannot be overstated.

Cllr Hanlon agreed that the redevelopment proposal will provide Downpatrick with a much-needed economic boost and welcomed plans to form a stakeholder group to feed into the development brief.

She added: “This forum will be open to all Downpatrick businesses and I would encourage their participation and views to ensure that all ideas are heard and considered. This will no doubt maximise the benefit of the proposed regeneration of this site for all of Downpatrick.”