Newry and Mourne District Council

CONTENTS 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

2.0 CONSULTATIONS 

3.0 APPRAISALS 

4.0 VISION, THEMES, STRATEGY 

5.0 PROPOSALS 

6.0 ACTION PLAN 

APPENDICES

Newry City Centre Strategic Development Framework March 2004 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Brief 

Ferguson McIlveen LLP was commissioned by Newry and Mourne District Council in June 2003 to 

prepare a Strategic Development Framework (SDF) for Newry City Centre. During the course of 

the study the consultants reported to a steering group comprising representatives from Newry and 

Mourne District Council, DOE Planning Service, the Department of Social Development and the 

City Centre Manager. A public consultation exercise formed a large part of the plan preparation 

process. Consultations were held with local businesses, community groups, the general public and 

statutory bodies. 

The brief sought the following: 

- identification of opportunity sites; 

- proposals to regenerate the canal and the river; 

- identification of funding sources and delivery mechanisms; 

- examination of retail provision; 

- regeneration of certain parts of the city centre; 

- improved linkages round the city centre; 

- proposals for an integrated transport system; 

- proposals for an urban environment that encourages events; 

- proposals for city centre living; 

- actions and proposals should focus on peace and reconciliation. 

1.2 Background and History of Newry 

Newry is located approximately 5 miles north of the border with the Republic; development has 

been constrained by its setting within a long narrow rocky valley. In the 16 th century the town was 

shown to have 3 parts. The East contained the Abbey and the castle of the Bagnall family, the Middle, 

within the town walls, was made of merchants housing and finally, the West where non-town people 

lived in humble dwellings along the road to Tyrone. 

In 1730 work began on the Newry Canal stretching the 18 miles from Lough Neagh to the coast at 

Warrenpoint. This was the first major canal in the British Isles and a huge industrial achievement for 

the local men who built it. The town was given further sea access through the construction of the 

Newry Ship Canal in 1767, from Newry to Fathom. A series of 4 quays were created within the 

town: Merchants Quay, Canal Quay, Buttercrane Quay and Sugar Island, along which many large 

warehouses developed. 

During the 1860’s and 70’s Newry was in its prime. Recognised as a well-built granite town with a 

regular street pattern and uniform stone and slate housing. The construction of Albert Basin in 1850 

meant that Newry was able to accommodate an increased volume of cargo shipping and the main 

industries to benefit from this were those concentrated along the canal. These ranged from corn and 

flourmills, tan and linen yards to a brewery and distillery and iron and brass foundries. At this time 

Newry had 5 markets, providing revenue for the local council to supply regular water and light to 

the town. 

The growth of the railway network led to the closure of the inland canal. In the absence of a direct 

rail link to the town and port and a lack of investment and ability to adapt to modern shipping 

standards resulted in the town’s gradual decline in the late 1800’s. Despite this change in fortunes, 

Hill Street, the main thoroughfare, and the town centre has changed very little over the years. 

Newry has had a turbulent history, however, today it is an important regional town and service 

centre for the surrounding rural area. Recently it has had a significant growth in population, which 

reached 29,500 in 1998, and the retail sector, capitalising on its gateway position between Belfast 

and Dublin. 

1.3 Policy Context 

a. Regional Development Strategy 2025 

Newry is recognised by the Regional Development Strategy 2025 as a major gateway to the North 

and a Main Hub. Its strategic location in the Belfast-Dublin Development Corridor and TENS Route, 

with access by road and rail adds to the town's growth potential. 

Newry is located along The Eastern Seaboard Corridor, illustrated by the Regional Development 

Strategy. This corridor facilitates the potential to provide high speed, high quality and high capacity 

road and rail links between Belfast and Dublin and onward towards Warrenpoint, Larne and 

Rosslare, for both freight and people in this important North-South route. This corridor provides a 

Londonderry to Dublin link through connection with The Northern Corridor, which primarily links the 

Belfast Metropolitan Area to Londonderry. The Rural West of the province is also linked to the 

transport network by The South Western Corridor, providing important cross-border linkages. TRAN 

2.2: Strengthen the regional rail system, illustrates that the Strategy is keen to promote the regional rail 

system, developing further commuter services linking the whole of the province. Located within the 

Slieve Gullion area, convenient to Carlingford Lough, there is further opportunity to develop 

Ferguson McIlveen in association with Mentor and Scott Wilson Page No. 1


tourism in Newry, related to the high scenic qualities and outdoor leisure. ECON 9.2: Protect and 

enhance water-based visitor amenities, aims to investigate the potential to reopen disused canals to 

create a regional network of waterways centred on Lough Neagh. 

b. Newry Area Plan 1984-1999 

As the district town within the plan area, Newry was expected to experience the most radical 

changes and be the focus for the provision of infrastructure and services. The plan has zoned land for 

3730 dwellings to accommodate an estimated population increase of 67%, the intensity of this 

development dependent upon adequate infrastructure and services provision, especially to the north 

east. The plan recognised the intrinsic landscape character of the area and all development should be 

sympathetic to this feature. The main recreational areas within the town are Derryleckagh and 

Jennings Park, the plan proposed to create further recreational space throughout Newry, buffering 

new housing. Derrymore National Trust site was to double in size linking to the proposed 

Bessbrook River Amenity Area. Another Amenity Area was proposed along the Glen River linking 

the town centre with Ballinlare playing fields. The plan realised the influence that the construction of 

the Newry By-pass would have and phased developments, infrastructure and service improvements 

appropriately. 

Within the town centre, the plan proposed a town centre limit, within which shops, offices, 

entertainment facilities and civil buildings should be concentrated. During the plan period, the retail 

sector was expected to require 4,000m² within this limit, east of the river, canal, Sugar Island and 

Lower Canal Street. Upgrading and developing the river and canal were also seen as beneficial to the 

future of the town and developments directly affecting or adjacent to either, should be reviewed. 

The plan also proposes to improve the junction of Edwards Street and Merchants Quay and to 

widen Francis Street. 

c. Banbridge, Newry and Mourne Area Plan Issue Paper 2015 

Capitialising on its close proximity to the border, Newry has experienced significant residential 

growth and witnessed a substantial expansion of its retail centre, over the last 30 years. In 2000, 

1278 dwellings were complete and there is still development capacity both within the town and on 

previously zoned sites. The plan will redefine the main commercial area of Newry, whilst dealing 

effectively with traffic congestion, car parking and public transport within the town. The benefits of 

Newry’s location in Northern Ireland and the historic town centre, conservation area and canal have 

been recognised and their potential as recreational, educational and tourist facilities will be explored. 

1.4 Purpose of Strategic Development Framework 

This Framework Document has been commissioned by Newry and Mourne District Council to draw 

together local opinion as to how Newry City Centre should be shaped in the future and has been 

prepared in conjunction with local community groups and businesses. The consultation process 

identified the strengths and weaknesses in Newry City Centre, and opportunities to build on these 

strengths to make the city a more vibrant place to live, work and visit. The document deals with 

issues such as urban design, vehicle movement, parking, development constraints and poor 

environmental quality and suggests actions and ideas to rectify current problems. These actions are 

then prioritised and funding sources are identified. 

The brief called for the Framework is to be forward looking and visionary and some of the 

recommendations may be viewed as contentious. However, they are intended to generate debate 

and initiate constructive thinking about the future of the city as a major urban area. It is intended to 

act as a framework to guide potential investors and developers as well as being the Council’s 

submission to Planning Service by way of input into the preparation of the Banbridge/ Newry and 

Mourne Area Plan 2015. The proposals, actions and recommendations within this Document will be 

further investigated by Planning Service, who may or may not incorporate them within the 

forthcoming Area Plan. The Area Plan, once published, will be the main policy tool through which 

these proposals will be implemented. 

The Framework has been prepared within the context of the Newry City Centre Partnership 

initiative, “Think Big”. The Think Big promotional document was published in January 2004 and aims 

to encourage the public, investors, landowners and other public and private bodies to be visionary in 

their thinking when considering the future development of Newry. Likewise, this Strategic 

Development Framework encourages those groups to be visionary and consider the long-term 

future of the city. 



2.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS 

In preparing this Framework document, the consultants carried out extensive consultations with 

local community groups, businesses and the general public. Meetings were held during July 2003 with 

each of these groups, who were also encouraged to complete questionnaires. In addition, flyers 

were distributed to doctor’s surgeries and other public places in the city, which sought the opinions 

of local people. Detailed results of the consultations are contained within the Appendices to this 

document. The following list gives an account of the consultation exercise. 

f. Full Council Approval – the final version of the Framework was presented to and approved at a 

meeting of the full Council on 8th March 2004. 

a. Meeting and walkabout held with City Centre Partnership to establish key issues on 10 th June 

2003. 

b. Questionnaires – prepared and distributed by Mentor Economic Development Ltd. 31 

Community Questionnaires were returned and 89 of the 540 Trader Questionnaires distributed 

were returned. Flyers were distributed to various public places and 82 were returned. The 

results of these are contained in Appendix 3. 

c. Consultation Meetings – details of the date and time were advertised in local newspapers asking 

local people to come along and express their views. The community consultations were held on 

the 8 th July 2003 when 11 members of the public attended and the Traders Consultation Meeting 

took place on 12 th August 2003 when 1 local trader attended. The Chamber of Commerce were 

also consulted on three occasions. 

d. Public Exhibition – following the initial consultations and analysis of the questionnaires, the 

consultants prepared draft proposals. These proposals were published in the local newspapers 

following a press launch on 24 th November 2003. Readers were encouraged to view the 

proposals, which were on display in the Newry Arts Centre, Buttercrane Shopping Centre and 

Quays Shopping Centre from 1 st December to 12 th December. They were also encouraged to 

complete a questionnaire, which sought their views on the proposals. The results of this are 

contained in Appendix 4. A public meeting was held between the consultants and local people on 

10 th December in the Arts Centre during which opinions on the proposals were aired. 

e. District Electoral Area Meeting – a meeting was held with local Councillors on 13 th January 2004 

with a view to obtaining final approval on the proposals. 



3.0 APPRAISALS 

The analysis of the present situation in Newry consists of a number of different studies. These 

include: 

- City Centre Health Check - carried out to assess how well the city centre is performing 

- Visual Analysis – observations of urban design issues on the ground 

- SWOT – based on the opinions of business people and the local community in Newry 

3.1 City Centre Health Check 

This survey was completed on 14 th August 2003 and supplements an earlier survey carried out by 

Planning Service on 26 th January 1999. The availability of both these surveys means that changes in 

the city centre can be tracked, major problem areas identified and policies put in place to remedy 

them. The methodology used in carrying out this exercise involves recording each of the commercial 

property units on the streets within the city centre against one of eight retail categories that have 

been established by Planning Service. A complete list of all types of retail uses under each of these 

headings is listed in Appendix 1. 

a. City Centre Results 

The results of both the 1999 and 2003 surveys are shown in tabular format in Appendix 2. These 

show the number of commercial units per street within Newry City Centre against each of the retail 

categories in the table below. The following table summarises the numbers and percentages of retail 

and related commercial uses within Newry City Centre in 1999 and 2003. The study area is defined 

by the town centre boundary as defined in the existing Newry Area Plan and does not include the 

Quays Shopping Centre which is currently outside that boundary. 

The first thing to note about these results is the increase in the number of retail and commercial 

units within the city centre boundary by almost 100. This is not due to vacant units coming into use, 

because as can be seen, the overall vacant number has actually increased slightly. It could therefore 

be assumed that the new units are as a result of change of use from other non-commercial type uses 

or the sub-division of existing units. 

Significantly more retail units are now being taken up by community service uses such as solicitors’ 

offices and dentists, of which there are a significant number in Hill Street and John Mitchell Place. 

This indicates the obvious necessity for such uses to locate within the city centre and the previous 

lack of specific facilities. 

Numbers of category 1 (Food), 2 (Other Convenience) and 4 (Other Durable) uses have remained 

more or less the same since 1999. However, in terms of percentage spread, the Other Durable 

shopping has given way to retail services. The numbers of these uses has increased dramatically since 

1999. It would be considered positive if most of these uses under this category were restaurants and 

pubs, which would indicate a move towards an evening economy. However, it was noted that a large 

number of these uses were hairdressers, bookmakers, video shops, taxi offices and financial 

institutions. Such uses, while necessary in a city centre do not offer services that cause people to 

visit the city centre as their prime reason for going there. Furthermore, these uses normally close at 

5pm. These create “dead frontage” and contribute to a quiet street scene. They are also the most 

likely to have staff car parking on the main streets, outside the front door of the business all day. 

Policies should be put in place within the primary retail core to prevent further expansion of this 

category on the main shopping streets and encourage an increase in Other Durable comparison 

uses. 

Retail Category 

Number of Units 

(1999) 


(2003) 

1 Food 18 (5%) 16 (3%) 

2 Other Convenience 23 (6%) 26 (5%) 

3 Bulky Durable 44 (11%) 32 (7%) 

4 Other Durable 123(32%) 126 (26%) 

5 Large Supermarkets and Mixed Stores 9 (2%) 5 (1%) 

6 Retail Service 93 (24%) 165 (35%) 

7 Vacant 62 (16%) 68 (14%) 

8 Community Service 11 (3%) 40 (9%) 

Total 383 478 

b. Analysis Per Streets 

Following on from the analysis of the survey results (Appendix 2) and from general observation on 

the streets, the following key issues were noted. These issues in turn will assist in making decisions 

on the future role that each part of the city centre will play and any adjustments that have to be 

made to the city centre boundary. 

i. Monaghan Street – the appearance of the street has not improved significantly since 1999 

yet the number and range of uses on the street have both increased, while the number of 

vacant units have decreased. In 1999, the street mainly catered for comparison shopping and 

retail service uses, which were mainly video shops, taxi offices and bookmakers. Since 1999, 



ii. 

iii. 

iv. 

the bulky durable comparison shopping has decreased quite dramatically and has been 

replaced with retail service uses. The non-bulky comparison shopping is still quite strong, but 

the type is of a lower order than normally found in a main shopping street. There are also 

three community service uses where there were previously none. In the past Monaghan 

Street would have been a primary retail street but it has evolved into one that now provides 

more of a district centre function serving the local community in the north west of the city 

centre. It is considered that as the city grows, this will be an important function for the 

street. As this part of the urban area takes on more of a role of being a district centre, so the 

importance of Monaghan Street as a district shopping centre will be reinforced. The main 

policies for the area therefore should be to carry out an environmental improvement scheme 

on the street, encourage shop frontage to move back onto the street edge. This is especially 

the case at the Dunnes site and encourage restaurants, bars and small comparison and 

convenience shops to develop. 

Railway Avenue – this street is in close proximity to Monaghan Street. It has changed from 

being a mix of retail service and comparison shopping in 1999 to almost entirely retail service 

(mostly hairdressers) in 2003. The nature of the uses means this street does not make a 

major contribution to the vitality and viability of the city centre. However, it has a recognised 

niche market for this part of the city centre and the car park is a possible opportunity site. 

Lower Catherine Street – this street comprises mostly community and retail services and 

whilst not making a significant contribution to the vitality of the city centre, has improved 

since 1999 with no vacancies and an improved image possibly assisted by the removal of the 

police station providing a more open and pleasant environment. The former police station 

site, and McClelland Square provide a major redevelopment opportunity site in this part of 

the city centre. This area should be retained within the city centre boundary, promoted for 

city centre uses and better enhanced by the provision of links with Monaghan Street. 

Edward Street/ Upper Edward Street and Corry’s Square - the only retail uses on 

these streets, are a few bulky durable comparison shops. Aside from these, the area consists 

mostly of open storage such as the bus depot, vacant properties, car garages and some 

residential. None of these contribute significantly to the vitality and viability of the city 

centre. Consideration should be given to the promotion of the area for high-density 

residential development, particularly in some of the existing derelict warehouse buildings. 

v. Canal Street/ Sugar Island/ Sugarhouse Quay/ Canal Quay/ Basin Walk/ New 

Street – these streets have been grouped together because they provide the same function 

within the city centre. The area could be regarded as a district or quarter in the north of the 

centre. They have changed little since 1999 apart from some increased vacancies. However, 

there has also been an increase in the number of community service uses such as solicitors. 

This is an area in transition. It is also potentially one of the most attractive parts of the city 

centre with its historic street pattern and a number of fine warehouse buildings. It will 

require significant public expenditure to ensure that its potential is not lost. It is an important 

gateway into the city and could be the focus for entertainment and office uses. 

vi. Hill Street/ John Mitchell Place – these streets have seen a fairly significant increase in 

the number of units, mainly from sub division of properties and the use of upper floors for 

community service type uses. It remains the focus for comparison shopping and is still the 

most vibrant part of the city centre. However, there has been a slight decrease in the 

number of bulky durable shops such as furniture shops, which are now more likely to be 

located on an edge of centre or out of centre site. There is also a sizeable increase in the 

number of retail service uses on Hill Street and John Mitchell Place. These are mainly financial 

institutions, which leads to a nine to five economy and a street, which is less vibrant in the 

evening. The nature of the streetscape and the existence of the Squares would lend itself to a 

pedestrianised street. Previous attempts at pedestrianising Hill Street have failed due to lack 

of provision of alternative parking and servicing. The retail service uses should be encouraged 

to relocate to less prominent positions in the street and replaced with bars, restaurants and 

cafes that “spill” out onto the street at the two squares. The taxis also need to be removed 

from the Squares and relocated in a proper taxi rank close to the city centre 

vii. Mall - in 1999 the commercial properties that were on the Mall were mostly vacant. In 2003, 

while the same number of vacancies still occur, there are an increased number of restaurants 

and a few comparison and convenience good shops, most of which are clustered round the 

junctions with Margaret, Marcus and O’Hagan Streets. The Mall has the potential to become 

a city centre residential and restaurant street and the appearance and scale of the buildings 

will be important in creating the right image. Buildings should be at least 4 to 5 storeys in 

height and any visual barriers inhibiting views of the river and canal and across to Merchants 

Quay should be removed. Traffic use should be restricted to make it a pedestrian friendly 

place. The bus depot building is on a prime site but the nature of the use results in the area 

being dominated by vehicles. Consideration should be given to the relocation of the bus 



depot and change of use of the existing bus depot to a civic use, surrounded by civic open 

space. Ideally, the bus station should be easily accessible from Abbey Way/ City Centre 

through pass and might be incorporated within a new multi-storey car park development 

viii. Merchants Quay/ Buttercrane Quay – these streets provide a similar function to the 

Mall. Merchants Quay in particular should almost be a mirror image of the Mall with 3 to 4 

storey buildings and more open access to the water. No significant change has occurred 

along these streets since 1999. Buttercrane Quay is dominated by the blank frontage of the 

Buttercrane Shopping Centre, which contributes little to the streetscape. Merchants Quay 

has a surprisingly few commercial units in relation to the length of the street. The most 

dominant uses are car related or blank retail sheds, which do little to enhance the vitality of 

the area. All of this results in a stagnated street with no sign of renewal and growth. The 

blank frontage uses such as the car garages and retail sheds need to be relocated to make 

way for residential uses in redeveloped warehouse buildings, cafes and alternative 

comparison goods shops. The scale of the buildings should reflect the hotel and traditional 

warehouse buildings, some of which still exist. A degree of uniformity in scale, design and 

materials and a greater focus on the water would greatly enhance the street. 

ix. St. Mary’s Street – further along the Mall, the activity and vibrancy decreases as one 

moves into St. Mary’s Street. This has the appearance of a former district shopping street 

with a large number of small comparison and convenience shops providing service to the 

immediate community. Since 1999, the vitality of the street has declined further, with more 

vacancies and fewer comparison good shops. There is an increase in bulky durables, which 

appears to be a trend in streets with edge of centre locations. These uses are however of 

low quality and poor appearance and in this regard add little value to the city centre. From 

observation it appears that the street relies heavily for its commercial survival on its 

proximity to the Market. There is however a strong community spirit in the area and any 

redevelopment should recognise and be sensitive to this. At present the street and the uses 

along the river are creating a barrier between the strong magnets of the Buttercrane and the 

Market. A strong link is required between these two uses and redeveloped riverside 

buildings could have a role to play in such regeneration. 

c. The Quays 

The Quays shopping centre is not within the current city centre boundary and was therefore not 

included in the 1999 or 2003 city centre health checks. However, there has been debate as to 

whether or not to include the Quays within any revised central area or not. The Quays, is an 

attractive, convenient, modern shopping facility which has the potential to either compete with or 

contribute to Newry City Centre. Inclusion within the city centre boundary would be advantageous 

from the point of view of the Quays shopping centre if expansion were ever considered. Expansions 

to large retail developments outside city and town centre boundaries require a retail impact 

assessment under PPS 5. Inclusion within the boundary could simplify planning applications for any 

such expansions and equally afford the Quays protection under PPS5. 

On the plus side, inclusion of the Quays within the boundary means that overall, Newry city centre 

would be consolidating its main retail offer within one boundary. On the negative side, inclusion of 

the Quays within the city centre without adequately linking it with the rest of the city centre would 

mean that it would be allowed to expand in isolation. This will almost certainly result in drawing 

further trade from Hill Street and Monaghan Street. 

Excluding the Quays from the city centre would mean that its benefits might not be fully realised by 

the city centre. However, further expansion of the Quays and the provision of more higher order 

shops has the potential to compete with the rest of the city centre. DRD are currently working on a 

replacement of PPS5. Indications are that the new policy may be even tighter than the current policy, 

with retail applicants having to prove need as well as deficiencies if they want to locate outside town 

and city centre boundaries. A shopping centre outside the city centre boundary, which is restricted 

from expanding due to tight planning policies may not be good for Newry. Potentially retailers might 

go elsewhere if they are unable to establish in a location that is most beneficial to their business. 

Retailers are more likely to want to locate in the Quays which has an existing critical mass of UK 

multiples that form a strong attraction to consumers. 

On balance, any expansion of the Quays would probably be better done within the context of the 

city centre as a whole and not in isolation. Inclusion therefore would make it easier for the Quays to 

expand but would also provide a degree of control for Planning Service, as decision-makers on such 

applications. Future proposals for the Quays would have to conform to an overall strategy for the 

city centre. The owners would have to recognise that in order to avail themselves of the benefits 

that come with being within a city centre boundary under the protection of PPS5, they would need 

to embrace the city centre plan and contribute to any strategy that emerges for the centre, for 

example the provision of better linkages. 



3.2 Townscape Appraisal 

The Townscape Analysis sketch below summarises the key urban design issues that this study will seek to address. The consultants noted these issues during site visits to Newry. Combining these observations 

with the SWOT analysis above will build a picture as to the way forward for Newry City Centre. Newry City Centre is a collection of uses in distinct areas, which are not well linked. Much of the movement in the 

centre is in a north-south direction and movement across the water bodies is limited. Some key vistas exist between several nodes, but their use is not being fully realised. Vehicles dominate the area of land 

between the river and canal which would be an ideal pedestrian area for use as open space and events and as a linkage point between all parts of the central area. There are a number of key landmark buildings in 

central Newry as well as a few small areas of good civic space, again not being fully utilised due to the dominance of the car. Some traditional frontages still exist and these should be preserved and reused. On the 

other hand, there are also many poor building frontages on prime sites in the city, especially along Merchants Quay, Mall and Canal Street. The area to the rear of Dunnes on Monaghan Street is in need of major 

redevelopment as it appears to have been allowed to develop without any form of co-ordination. Traffic congestion is a major issue, but it seems unlikely that there will be any major improvement in this situation 

until such times as alternative routes in and around the city centre are established. 



3.3 SWOT Analysis 

The following list is compiled from the results of the consultations with traders, community groups 

and the general public. 

a. Strengths 

- Restaurants and night life 

- Location near Mournes and South Armagh is beneficial for tourism 

- A number of prominent quality buildings 

- A good mix and choice of shops, large retailers and shopping centres 

- The canal, river and Albert Basin 

- Good taxi services 

- The bus station is good and centrally located 

- The presence of enterprise and training centres and industrial estates 

- Major employers, such as Norbrook and Glen 

- Good road infrastructure outside the town centre 

- Historical heritage 

c. Opportunities 

- Public space for events should be considered close to Hill Street 

- Develop North St Flats site for multi-storey car parking and offices 

- Develop more city centre offices 

- Develop “Living over the shops” in Hill St and Monaghan St 

- Develop water sports at the Albert Basin 

- Make better use of the canal and river 

- Corry Square site (PSNI) in Newry will be offered for sale 

- Frank Curran Park (behind convent on Canal Street) has interest from developers 

- Large vacant building on Canal Quay – Clanrye Mill 

- Opportunity site exists between Merchants Quay and Lower Catherine Street 

- Museum and TIC planned for Bagenals Castle site 

- Opportunity site at the health centre site 

- Marcus Square could be used as a venue 

- A multi-storey car parks are required in the city centre; 

b. Weaknesses 

- Leisure facilities are not all under one roof or on one site 

- The waterways are under utilised and the tidal river can be unattractive in places 

- The market is in decline 

- There is no proper taxi rank 

- The train station is not properly developed 

- City Centre is not disability friendly. There are no disabled toilets and poor disabled parking 

- Unsafe night time environment 

- No major tourism attraction and not enough events to bring people into the city 

- No public square or events area 

- Not enough car parking at certain key locations and directions to parking is illegible 

- Poor traffic management and enforcement 

- Traffic Congestion 

- Invest NI are running out of space for all businesses in Newry 

- Anti-social behaviour 

- Finding way around is difficult, linkages are poor 

- No provision for cycling – both cycle routes and parking 

d. Threats 

- Failure to realise the full potential of the water bodies 

- Further retail development to the south of the city centre 

- Continued dominance or the car, onstreet and surface car parking 

- Failure to deal with traffic congestion 

- Failure to “Think Big” 

In summary, Newry City Centre has the potential to offer a lot to the resident and visitor alike. It is 

well-located near major tourist areas and is renowned for its attractive buildings and range of shops and 

historical heritage. The canal and river are great assets and the city has a significant draw for new 

businesses. On the down side, the waterways are under utilised and the city is inaccessible and not 

disability friendly. There is a lack of open space, event space and major leisure facilities. Cars dominate 

the spaces, yet parking is poor and illegible. Traffic congestion is a major problem. The traditional 

shopping areas are under threat from major retail developments and the urban area is not inviting at 

night. There are however, a number of significant development sites and the area between the river and 

the canal could be put to better use. The scope exists to redevelop buildings to give Newry more of a 

high-density city appearance and surface car parking could be replaced with multi-storey. The following 

tables show how the weaknesses may be addressed and how the current strengths may be used to the 

advantage of the city 



3.4 Converting Weaknesses to Strengths 

WEAKNESSESS 

- There are a number of leisure facilities 

but not all under one roof or on one site 

ACTION 

- Ensure area plan has land zoned and site identified for major leisure use 

- The waterways are under utilised and can 

be unattractive in places 

- Gradually remove surface parking in the central area. Redevelop the central area between the river and canal as a central park 

- Remove physical barriers between Merchants Quay and Mall 

- Canal front at the Coal Yard site should be retained for frontage development and pedestrian access 

- Any developments on or near the canal should not stymie a long term goal to reopen the canal as a usable water way. 

- Redevelopment of the canal side should consider the history of Newry as a merchant settlement and steps should be taken to regain the traditional quay side along 

the length of the canal within the city centre 

- Maximise waterfront potential of Albert Basin site and The Quays 

- Consider water-based uses for the Albert Basin, Canal and River 

- Explore the options in controlling river levels 

- The Area Plan should include policies that ensures that new development or redevelopment of buildings along Merchants Quay, Mall and Buttercrane Quay should 

be at least 4 storeys in height so as to improve the relationship of the streetscape with the canal and river. 

- The market is in decline - Create strong link from Market to Buttercrane across river and canal 

- Consider additional development above the Market 

- Consider developing the market into a themed market and expand the number of uses 

- There is no proper taxi rank - Remove taxi rank from Hill Street 

- Consider the option to relocate the taxi rank to the Mall, where a more typical linear arrangement could be adopted – this will ensure that the system operates 

efficiently 

- The train station is not properly 

developed 

- City Centre is not disability friendly. 

There is poor access, no disabled toilets 

and poor disabled parking 

- People commute out of Newry to go to 

work 

- Work with Translink to find the most suitable location for the train station and develop to a high standard 

- Ensure that the bus links from the train station to the centre of Newry continue – measures should be explored with Translink to improve this service 

- Designers and contractors working on EI schemes should be encouraged to consult Development Control Advice Note 11 and Planning Policy Statement 3 in 

relation to Planning Service policy, standards and advice on providing for people with disabilities in the urban area. 

- Set up public awareness meetings with a body such as the William Keown Trust to allow the ‘providers’ and ‘users’ of the built environment to come together to 

focus appraisal on issues relating to disability access within the built and open environments. 

- Commission a “street scope audit” to assess the current accessibility issues in Newry city centre. A design guide should be prepared on the basis of this audit. 

- Identify a number of key sites within the city centre for the location of high quality disabled toilet facilities. These should be located at main focal points within easy 

reach of disabled car parking. 

- Sites need to be identified for parking spaces dedicated to people with disabilities and need to locate close to shops and other services 

- Consideration should be given to clamping of those non-disabled people who park in disabled place 

- Ensure the Banbridge/ Newry and Mourne Area Plan includes a policy on disability in design of buildings and urban environment. 

- Zone sites for office accommodation within city centre boundary. 

- Widen city centre boundary to open up lands on edge of current centre for office development 

- Secure Strategic Employment Location for Newry 



Converting Weaknesses to Strengths (continued) 

WEAKNESSES 

ACTION 

- Lack of entertainment for elderly people 

linked to unsafe night time environment. 

Anti-social behaviour 

- Commission the preparation of a lighting strategy for the main streets and key buildings within the city centre and secure grants for lighting of key buildings 

- Introduce CCTV into the central area 

- Through zoning in the Area Plan, promote the clustering of evening entertainment in districts with the city centre so that there are no such uses sited in isolation 

- No major tourism attraction - Explore the feasibility of a stadium 

- Explore the feasibility of a marina in the Albert Basin in conjunction with the redevelopment of the Albert Basin site. 

- Ensure proper links between the Bagnals Castle development and the city centre 

- No public square or events area - Create civic spaces at a number of key sites round the city centre – Cathedral Square; Linear Park from St Colmans Park, via St Marys Church to the river (including 

bridge link through St Marys Street to the Buttercrane); major events venue in the central park centre on the current bus depot site; minor events space in coal 

yard site to the rear of the arts centre with a link to the Town Hall. 

- Consider a phased approach to the pedestrianisation of Hill Street and the creation of Marcus Square and Margaret Square as formal civic spaces 

- Not enough car parking at certain key 

locations 

- Poor traffic management and 

enforcement 

- Develop a parking strategy that creates a necklace of car parks around the central area 

- Develop multi storey parking on existing car parks at Lower Water Street, Sugar House Quay and to the rear of the telephone exchange 

- Promote the development of new multi storey car parks to the rear of Merchants Quay and North Street site as part of redevelopment of these sites 

- Incorporate all new multi storey car parks into new commercial development and ensure that the car park fits with the streetscape. New parking should be of a 

high standard that provides adequate width between bays. 

- Limit current surface parking on significant sites such as in the central area – gradually remove this as provision of multi storey alternatives increases 

- Create strong visual and physical pedestrian links between the car parks and the shopping and office areas to include signage and surface treatments 

- Improve signage to car parks from main routes into and through the city centre. Signs should indicate direction to “Shopping Car Parks” and not names of streets 

- Consideration should be given to replacing parallel parking on the east side of Merchants’ Quay between Francis Street and Monaghan Street with diagonal parking 

to provide additional parking capacity 

- Introduce time restrictions in those areas where there is none 

- Introduce charging at key locations where there is pressure for parking 

- Ensure a commitment to enforcing parking restrictions 

- Traffic Congestion - Maintain Abbey Way as the main route through the city and ensure ease of flow 

- The effects of parallel on-street parking along Abbey Way should be monitored to assess the effects on carriageway capacity, with a view to enforced parking 

restrictions being applied before the impact of these parked vehicles significantly affects traffic flows, including in particular operating conditions at the junctions 

along the route 

- Remove traffic from River Street 

- Investigate the effects of replacing the existing roundabouts at Boat Street and Kilmorey Street with a linked traffic signal control system, linking to the existing 

Bridge Street/ Buttercrane Quay signalised junction 

- Introduce a pedestrian phase into the proposed signalised junctions at Boat Street and Kilmorey Street 

- Consider improved signage and alternative points of access to The Quays car park from Albert Basin/Fathom Line to assist in reducing traffic demand on Bridge 

Street 

- Explore the option of moving the bus depot from the central area to an edge of centre site so as to reduce congestion caused by large vehicles on Merchants Quay. 



Converting Weaknesses to Strengths (continued) 

WEAKNESSES 

ACTION 

- No provision for cycling – both cycle 

routes and parking 

- Finding way around is difficult, linkages 

are poor and parking is poor and illegible 

- Widen the footpath on Merchants’ Quay in conjunction with the revision of on-street parking arrangements to provide an opportunity for better cycle and 

pedestrian links from Albert Basin to Sugar Island. 

- Provide new cycling facilities in conjunction with the redevelopment of the central area 

- Investigate opportunities for increasing the operating capacity at the signalised junction for the Buttercrane Centre and The Quays and allocate any additional green 

time to pedestrian movements to support sustainable transport initiatives 

- A new pedestrian footbridge should be provided across the Newry Canal to improve linkages between Merchants’ Quay and the bus station area and ultimately the 

Marcus Square area via Marcus Street, with an associated pelican crossing on Merchants’ Quay to provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians 

- Consideration should be given to the provision of additional pelican crossing on the Mall if justified by demand or road safety concerns 

- A new pedestrian footbridge should be provided across the Newry River adjacent to the existing footbridge over the Newry Canal to improve linkages between 

Buttercrane Quay and St Mary’s Street 



3.5 Matching Strengths with Opportunities 

Strengths 

Opportunities 

- Good accommodation, restaurants and - Public space for events should be considered in Hill Street – possibly open up Marcus square for events 

night life 

- Develop “Living over the shops” in Hill St and Monaghan St 

- Location near Border, Mournes and 

South Armagh is beneficial for tourism 

- Signage strategy should be considered to market the city as a tourist destination 

- There is scope for more hotel accommodation in the city 

- A large number of quality buildings - Reuse of old buildings for apartment development, especially along Sugar House and Merchants Quays 

- A good mix and choice of shops, large 

retailers and shopping centres 

- The market is a good attraction and well 

located 

- Improve the image of Hill Street – possibly pedestrianise 

- Improve the linkages between shopping areas 

- Create link across the river with the Buttercrane 

- The canal and river are assets - Develop water sports at Albert Basin together with mix of retail, restaurants etc 

- Re-develop canal and river and put narrow boats on canal 

- Good taxi services - Develop a dedicated taxi rank outside Hill Street – Merchants Quay may be an option 

- The presence of enterprise and training 

centres and industrial estates make it an 

attractive location for businesses 

- Good road infrastructure outside the 

town centre 

- Develop North St Flats site for multi-storey car parking, offices and retail 

- Develop more city centre offices e.g. Currans building in Hill St 

- Possible site for major food retail outlet at Five Ways Roundabout 

- Historic heritage - Museum and TIC planned for Bagnals Castle site (Abbey Way) 

- City centre and shops are considered as 

being attractive 

- Corry Square site (PSNI) in Newry will be offered to statutory bodies for first refusal prior to going on open market. 

- Opportunity site exists between Merchants Quay and Lower Catherine Street – Councillors have identified this as possible civic space in the Area Plan process 

- Opportunity site at the William Street end of John Mitchell Place – between this and St Mary’s Street 

- Eliminate dereliction and appearance of dereliction 

- Out of hour deliveries should be encouraged 

- Large amount of free parking - A multi-storey car park is required in the city centre 



4.0 THE WAY FORWARD 

4.1 Key Themes 

The following key themes have emerged from the public consultations, the SWOT analysis and 

general observations by Ferguson McIlveen LLP. They form the basis for the Action Plan under 

Section 6. 

life to the centre but have the potential to compete with traditional shopping streets. The 

primary retail areas need protection and should remain the focus for retailing and other 

commercial uses during the day while after 6pm opportunities need to be provided for the 

creation of an evening economy. 

a. Rediscovering the Waterside City 

Very few towns or cities in Ireland can boast two main water bodies within the centre of the 

urban area. As well as the canal and the river, Newry has an intact canal basin that has the 

potential for recreation use and further development around its edge. In the long term the 

canal may come back into use, but in the interim access to it and the river in terms of 

waterside frontage development and views of the waterways is essential. 

b. Creating an Accessible City 

The canal, river and Abbey Way, are key components in the fabric of Newry, but also act as 

barriers to easy movement around the city centre. This is compounded by the fact that the 

central area is quite large and likely to increase in size. Accessibility for able-bodied people is 

much worse for those in wheel chairs or the visually impaired. Inappropriate sites are 

currently being used for car parking; these include the central area between the canal and the 

river, which would be better used for open space and civic use. Traffic flow through the city 

centre also needs to be addressed and at present is a cause for concern along the William 

Street and Bridge Street area. 

c. Transforming the urban environment 

As a city, Newry needs to look like a city. In urban design terms this means that buildings in 

central Newry need to increase in height so as to portray that large inner city image. In 

conjunction with this the city needs open space for passive recreation and events. The 

central space between the canal and the river is the ideal area for civic space and events. But 

there are also a number of other small areas around the city centre which, if transformed 

into public spaces, would help define the setting of buildings and form important nodes in the 

urban fabric. 

4.2 Vision 

In many ways the Vision for Crossmaglen is a simple one. It does not envisage significant change 

from being a small market town, but seeks to create a settlement that builds on its current assets 

in order to become a successful tourist base for South Armagh. Having considered the views of 

the community groups, business people and the general public, it is considered that the future 

development of Crossmaglen through to 2015 should be driven by the following Vision. 

Newry 2015 – The Small City with the Big Future 

Newry is some way down the road from being a large town a decade ago to being a thriving 

small city. It is now a modern, accessible city that has regained its merchant city image. The canal 

and riverside area is now Newry’s Central Park and is the location for concerts and other 

events. The expanded central area has provided sites for extensive office and commercial 

development well served by a necklace of car parks. Civic space has been created by the 

displacement of vehicles from key sites, such as the Cathedral, which is now a significant feature 

in the centre of the city. Hill Street is a pedestrian friendly zone and Marcus and Margaret 

Squares are attractive plazas surrounded by bars and cafes, which cater for the new residential 

population in apartments in the nearby streets. Monaghan Street and Sugar Island have been 

transformed into vibrant district shopping and entertainment centres. 

d. Retaining a vibrant city centre 

A vibrant city centre is about attracting people to the area both day and night. Newry city 

centre provides significant choice for retailing. The major shopping centres have brought new 



4.3 Strategy 

a. Summary of Key Actions 

It is clear that Newry city centre is about to enter a period of significant change. The strategy for 

the city is based on the concept of the canal and riverside area as being the new city centre, 

surrounded by a ring of commercial, office and residential development and extensive car 

parking. The first stage is to remove the cars from key sites, such as this central canal side and 

reuse them for civic space and places for events. Major sites such as the area between Monaghan 

Street and Cornmarket and the North Street flats site are key to the future redevelopment of 

the central area. Their close proximity to the central area means they are ideally located for 

significant retail and office development allied with large amounts of multi storey car parking. 

Building upwards is the way forward for Newry city centre, in order to create a credible city feel 

and a compact high-density urban area. Newry City Centre Management is promoting the vision 

of “Think Big”. At present the urban feel of the central canal and riverside area is lost because 

the height of the buildings do not relate to the size of the space. The delineation of a central area 

boundary should mark the area within which, the large inner urban city appearance of Newry is 

to be represented. 

The Quays development has been a significant economic driver for the centre of Newry and the 

potential redevelopment at the Albert Basin site could create even more wealth for the city. It is 

important therefore to recognise the significance of these sites by bringing them within the 

central area boundary thereby allowing them to develop as major inner urban sites. At the same 

time, the traditional shopping streets of Monaghan Street and Hill Street need to be protected 

and new retail development to be focused in these areas where possible. Development of 

brownfield land for commercial uses should be encouraged in this area as should the 

development of the Monaghan Street area as district centre in its own right to serve the people 

of the northern part of the city. 

Sugar Island and Trevor Hill areas should develop as the entertainment centre of the city. The 

colleges on Patrick Street could have a key role to play in the vibrancy of the city centre, with the 

potential to expand. Entertainment development in this area could be mixed with office 

development, especially in a redeveloped North Street flats site. Increased activity combined 

with a lighting strategy and CCTV could go some way towards making the centre of Newry a 

safe place to be at night. The need for a major leisure development could also be accommodated 

within the central area of Newry, on a site that is easily accessible and which could consolidate 

all the leisure uses into one building. Opportunities for city centre residential uses should be 

encouraged, especially in the Sugar House Quay and Merchant Quay areas and considerations 

should be given to opportunities for Living Over The Shop in Hill Street and Monaghan Street. 

The traffic study, carried out as part of the background to this Development Framework, 

suggests forming a road link from Merchants Quay to New Street via Sugar House Quay. Further 

consideration has been given to this idea and it has been assessed that the buildings and 

waterfront setting of Sugar House Quay contribute significantly to the city centre and should not 

be compromised in any way. 

The raising and control of the level of water in the river needs to be explored further so as to 

make it more of a feature in the central area. In addition, better access across the water bodies is 

necessary as is the removal of walls and railings. The possible development of the land to the east 

of the Albert Basin creates the potential for the use of the basin as a marina. 

Future environmental improvement and redevelopment of central Newry should take the needs 

of the disabled into consideration. The William Keown Trust and Disability Action are bodies 

that should be consulted to assess the suitability of the urban area for use by disabled people. 

Car parking in the city is also of major concern to most users. The ethos of car parking and the 

no charging culture needs to change as Newry develops as a city. Car parks need to be 

developed on many storeys with good signage and strong linkages to offices and shops. The 

pedestrianisation of Hill Street has been debated and tried out on a number of occasions. A 

phased approach to this is required with good alternatives to parking in multi storey car parks 

close by. 

As well as the need to improve traffic movement through the city along Abbey Way, William 

Street and Bridge Street, pedestrian and cycling access needs to be improved between the Quays 

Shopping Centre and the northern part of the city centre. North/ south movement through the 

central area needs to be complimented with easy access east to west and this involves bridging 

the canal and river thereby linking areas such as the Buttercrane with the Market and Hill Street. 

Finally, consideration should be given to the relocation of the bus station. While it is a significant 

advantage having a bus station in such a central site within a city centre, the presence of the 

buses adds to traffic congestion and the use of an otherwise important civic space. Major public 

transport facilities such as this are best placed on key transport corridors and a solution to siting 

the station at a location on Abbey Way should be sought. It is recognised that this may be a long 

term goal and until that happens, the Mall will remain the public transport centre of the city. 



Consequently, steps should be taken to relocate the taxi rank from its current location in Hill 

Street to the Mall. 

b. Prioritising Actions 

Part (a) summarises all the aspects that this Framework Document recommends. Considering all 

these aspects together realises the vision to create an accessible, vibrant city that can attract 

visitors and provide open space, residential, office and leisure uses. The delivery of the overall 

strategy should be considered in terms of short, medium and long-term actions. 

The public consultation exercise highlighted a number of concerns that local people had and 

which should be dealt with in the short term. The city is inaccessible and especially for disabled 

people. The river and canal is out of view and not well used. The taxi rank is not properly 

located. Signage is generally poor and especially to shopping car parks and then the links to the 

shops are also poor. Car parking in general is limited and almost completely dominated by 

surface car parking. The city lacks a major leisure use. All these issues can be tackled in the short 

term. 

An opportunity has been identified by a local interest group to construct a bridge across the 

river and canal between the Buttercrane and St Mary’s Street. Immediate implementation of this 

would improve access back and forward at the lower end of Hill Street and would link up to the 

Bagenals Castle site. Street scope audits should be carried out to assess their suitability for 

disabled use and any environmental improvement schemes should be carried out in conjunction 

with bodies such as Shop Mobility, William Keown Trust and Disability Action. Disabled toilets 

should be installed and more disabled parking spaces should be provided and protected through 

enforcement for disabled use only. A signage strategy should be commissioned for the central 

area and the removal of some of the surface car parking in favour of multi-storey parking should 

be encouraged. A site has been identified in the opportunity sites below for a leisure centre, the 

initial stages of which could be commenced. The forthcoming Area Plan has a role to play in 

encouraging the redevelopment of suggested opportunity sites. The Area Plan should put policies 

in place to improve the frontage along Merchants Quay and the Mall. The removal of walls from 

around the cathedral and cars from Marcus Square would be the first steps in creating civic space 

in these areas. Hill Street and the Squares should be predestrianised and the first step is to 

remove the taxis and relocate them to the Mall. As part of pedestrianisation, opportunities 

should be explored for creating rear servicing options for commercial properties on Hill Street. 

North Street flats are due to be demolished in the near future and the land sold off. It is 

imperative that any redevelopment of the site is carried out in line with the proposals in this 

Framework document. Planning Service should identify this site in the Area Plan as an 

opportunity site with a view to developing if for office use with car parking. The Council and the 

City Centre Partnership have a role in ensuring that the site is developed to its maximum 

potential. Options for controlling river levels and preventing flooding should be explored further 

with the long term objective in mind of eventually removing the walls along the river through the 

city centre so as to create a more pleasant riverside environment where the river is better 

connected with the urban area. In the short term a weir or barrage could be constructed 

downstream to control the river levels. 

The medium term should see an increase in the number of car parking spaces being removed 

from the central area between the canal and the river. In conjunction with this, a parking strategy 

should be drawn up with Roads Service and landowners/ developers to ensure the construction 

of multi-storey car parking in a ring around the central area. Such development should 

incorporate good pedestrian links to the central area. Further options for more pedestrian river 

crossings should also be considered, linking pedestrian routes back and forward across the river 

and canal. Parking restrictions on main streets need to be put in place and a commitment to 

enforcing these needs to be established. Redevelopment of buildings along the Mall and 

Merchants Quay should be starting and it is important to ensure that proposals meet the 

objective to raise the building height all along this area to 4 and 5 storeys in height. A design 

guide should be prepared by Planning Service that will encourage a certain standard and style of 

building along these streets. The possibility of developing offices above the market in order to 

increase the attractiveness of the site should be considered. A lighting strategy should be 

commissioned for the central area with a view to highlighting key features and buildings. The 

buildings on Sugar House Quay should by this stage be redeveloped for office, restaurant and 

residential uses. It is important to ensure that these buildings are kept intact to retain the 

character of the street. Lands at the Island Site at the Albert Basin should be in the process of 

being developed. Links from the this site to the central area will be important as will 

consideration of the use of the Albert Basin for watersports. On the next stage of pedestrianising 

Hill Street further routes to the rear of the properties should be sought to provide rear 

servicing. The North Street flats site should be developed and if the car parking is implemented 

within this development, it could provide an alternative to city centre on street parking. 

Investigations should start at this stage to relocate the bus depot to a site to a site at Lower 

Water Street. Such a development should be incorporated within a multi-storey car park. New 



cycling facilities should be installed in the central area connecting the north and the south of the 

city centre. The scoping of a route for an inner ring road should be considered at this stage. 

Finally, in the long term, the central park should be fully implemented in the land between the 

river and canal. All the car parking should by this stage be removed and relocated to multistoreys 

around the centre. The bus depot should be completely removed, perhaps leaving the 

building as a focal building. It should be the aim to redevelop the canal side as a more open area 

so as to regain the traditional quay side, within the bounds of health and safety. Hill Street should 

be moving towards full pedestrianisation and the Squares functioning as proper civic spaces used 

for small events and generally for café and bar uses spilling out onto the street. The central area 

could be used for more major events while the cathedral precinct and the courtyard 

development at the coalyard site and town hall could be for more minor events. Moves towards 

the construction of an inner ring road should now be considered and procedures for the 

acquisition of land commenced. 



5.0 PROPOSALS 

This section contains four main elements. Firstly the planning concept that has led to the proposals 

that follow. An idea of how the river and canal side might develop is also shown along with where to 

relocate the car parking. Secondly series of opportunity sites are recommended throughout the 

central area and a description of how the site might be developed is suggested. The third element is 

a plan showing a revised city centre boundary and planning zonings, which is accompanied with 

suggested policies for each of these zonings. Finally, further detail is given on a number of key 

proposals around the city centre and these are illustrated by sketch plans of particular parts of the 

city centre and artist impressions of how some parts of the city centre might look in the future if the 

suggested proposals are implemented. It should be noted that the illustrations are not a commitment 

to these schemes or for funding but are submitted in this Framework Document in order to 

encourage further thoughts and ideas as how to develop Newry City Centre in the future. 

south of the centre and the lands on either side of the water bodies. Additional connections across 

the river and canal will go via this land. Car parking should be removed from this area and placed to 

behind main building frontages, perhaps in multistorey car parks. 

5.1 Concepts 

Existing Canal and River Side 

Proposed Canal and River Side 

This sketch forms the basis of the future development of the central area. It is based on the planning 

principle that the central core of the urban area should be dedicated to pedestrian and cycling uses 

and that vehicles should be eliminated from this area as far as possible. This creates a focus and 

attraction in the centre of the city from which all other urban uses radiate around it. The area 

between the river and the canal in Newry is currently inappropriately used for car parking whereas 

it could be used for open space and events. This area will then be a link point between the north and 

These sketches illustrate how the central area might be redeveloped. The sketch of the existing 

canal and river side shows the area utilised by vehicles highlighted in yellow – it dominates the core 

of the urban area. The sketch of the proposed canal and river side shows an area which is a central 

green and open space for Newry. The numbers of linkages have been increased across the water 

bodies, facilitated by the fact that pedestrians do not come into conflict with vehicles. The space also 

acts as a continuous link from the Albert Basin area in the south to the Town Hall in the north. The 

sketch also indicates a number of buildings in the space. These are focal point buildings which could 

be for community or events use. The existing bus station building acts as a focal point for the central 

area at present but the presence of buses in the space conflicts further with pedestrian use. 

The proposal sketch above indicates an increase in building height along either side of the canal and 

river. It is suggested that this should be implemented so as to create a larger inner urban appearance 

for the centre of Newry. This also has the affect of better enclosing the space and creating a more 

attractive inner urban environment. 



Existing Section through Mall, River, Canal and Merchants Quay 

Proposed Section through Mall, River, Canal and Merchants Quay 

This last point is illustrated in the sketches above. The top one shows the existing section through 

the canal and river side and the streets on either side. The height of the buildings on either side is 

not proportional to the width of the space that they face. The focus of the buildings on the space is 

therefore reduced and the user consequently does not feel any sense of place. People expect to feel 

a certain sense of enclosure and expect high density in inner urban areas – the current situation does 

not provide this. The second sketch shows how the space changes once the buildings are raised in 

height. The space is the same width but the higher buildings enclose it more successfully and the 

buildings view the entire space, not just the street in front of it. Careful use of trees with high 

crowns allow views back and forward across the space. Spaces such as this have been used to great 

effect in places like Amsterdam, Utrecht and St Petersburg, where the waterways are the main focus 

and the streets are lined with 4 and 5 storey buildings. 

Possible sites for multi-storey car parking around Central Newry 

Multi-storey car parking does not have to be functional and boring in appearance in line with it 

traditional image. Some recent examples in Belfast below show that it is possible to create attractive 

buildings to house the car parking that do not look out of place in with the rest of the streetscape. 

Implementation of the overall proposal of removing vehicles from this central space and creating an 

open space for pedestrians will require alternative arrangements to be made for car parking around 

the central area, as per the concept sketch above. Many of the opportunity sites, which will be 

discussed next, may be suitable locations for multi-storey car parking as part of redevelopment of 

the site. The following map shows possible locations for a necklace of car parking around the central, 

some of which might be existing car parks further developed. Development of these sites for car 

parking and other uses will be very much dependant upon the provision of strong linkages into and 

across the central space. 

Examples of Multi-storey car parking in Belfast 



5.2 Opportunity Sites 

Opportunity Sites, as highlighted in this report are not an indication of the final version of what is going to happen or likely to happen up to 2015. That will be the remit of the Banbridge/ Newry and Mourne Area 

Plan 2015, which may take on board the issues raised within this report. For the purposes of this report, opportunity sites could be considered as: 

Often under-utilised sites or contain uses which could be relocated to make way for a more appropriate activity in order to achieve an overall vision for the area as a whole. There is however, no presumption that all or even any of 

the land uses in the area will definitely change. 



Description of Sites 

1. Sugarhouse Quay 

Potentially one of the most attractive combination of streets in the 

northern part of the city centre, Sugarhouse Quay and Basin Quay 

are both currently occupied by traditional warehouse buildings. 

There has been some redevelopment at the corner of Sugarhouse 

Quay and Basin Quay which makes use of the existing building. This 

example could be continued along the rest of the street, again making use of the existing 

buildings. Current uses generate low traffic volumes and this should be maintained. Appropriate 

uses might include restaurants and bars, offices and some comparison retailing. 

2. Coal Yard 

The former coal yard site is a key location at the northern end of 

the canal and riverside. Future development of the site should 

provide a visual link from the southern end of the central area. The 

site provides the opportunity to improve access from Bank Parade 

into the proposed canal redevelopment zone and should be 

occupied by a key building which could be linked to the arts centre 

providing an arts precinct. 

4. Merchants Quay 

Car showrooms once again dominate this site which is shared with 

a single storey government building. Neither use contributes to the 

streetscape, which should be occupied by retail, café and other 

inner city commercial uses to help increase the vitality and vibrancy 

of the city. Height of the buildings is important on this site as they 

should relate to the height of the Canal Court Hotel. Again, any development here should tie in 

with the development of Opportunity Sites 2 and 3. 

5. Corry’s Square/ Lower Catherine Street 

This site includes the land between Corry’s Square and Monaghan Street 

and fronting onto Lower Catherine Street and is made up of McClelland 

Park, a vacant site previously occupied by the police station and a building 

fronting Monaghan Street. McClelland Park is not well linked to any 

pedestrian through route and as such is not well used. This and the 

vacant police station site should be considered together. The site should 

be considered for office development around a courtyard parking or 

open space area. The development should front Lower Catherine Street as well as Corry’s 

Square and have a strong link directly through to Monaghan Street. 

3. Lower Canal Street 

This is a key site, which comprises car showrooms and a forecourt 

on Merchants Quay and the lower part of Canal Street. The car 

showroom part of the site would be better 

used for office, restaurant and associated 

parking use with the opportunity to create a prominent corner site at 

the junction. Development of the site should echo any development of 

the coal yard site opposite. The lower part of Canal Street is a mix of 

derelict and run down properties in a street that otherwise has a lot of character. The area is 

soon to be subject of an environmental improvement scheme. 

6. Cornmarket to Monaghan Street 

The area currently occupied by Dunnes, the Health Village and 

various other retail warehousing type uses has the appearance of 

having developed in an ad hoc manner. The lack of building 

frontage onto Monaghan Street detracts from the streetscape and 

contributes to the run down appearance of the street. 

Redevelopment of the site should include buildings fronting Monaghan Street. The Health Village 

has been developed on a site that is bounded by the backs of uses on both sides and as a result it 

does not fit neatly with the surrounding uses. It may be better developed as part of the College 

with a link through from Patrick Street. Part of the site abuts Merchants Quay and the uses 

effectively provide a blank frontage onto Merchants Quay. Merchants Quay needs strong 

frontage and as part of the suggested Canal Redevelopment Zone should be developed into 4 to 

5 storey buildings for residential, office, restaurant and retail use. Such buildings may be double 

fronted. The overall site should also be the main focus for parking in this part of the city centre, 

so any redevelopment should involve underground or multi-storey car parking. 



7. Central Canalside Redevelopment Zone 

While this has been identified as an opportunity site, it differs from the 

other sites in that it is not recommended that significant built 

development take place here. Instead, the opportunity should be 

grasped to remove the cars and the bus depot and create a pedestrian 

and cycling friendly space. That is not to say that one or two major 

buildings would be unsuitable. Such buildings should be “space defining 

buildings”, which create a civic space around them which may be 

suitable for events. The central area is the key to all future development in Newry city centre 

and it should be regarded as the central open space focus for the high density inner urban 

commercial development that will surround it. 

10. North Street Flats 

The important strong frontage that is defined by the buildings on 

Trevor Hill should be continued along North Street frontage of this 

site. The site would be suitable for redevelopment for office and 

leisure/ entertainment use. Car parking should be a major part of the 

redevelopment in line with providing alternative car parking to Hill 

Street. It will be very important to establish good links to the primary 

retail core from the site. Any redevelopment would need to consider 

a link across the narrow part of Abbey Way directly into Margaret Street. This is an important 

axis through the city centre, which links to Monaghan Street. The main entrance to any future 

use of this site should be located here to provide a visual linkage from Monaghan Street. 

8. St Marys Street 

The buildings on the street are currently a barrier to any linkage from 

Buttercrane to the market. Redevelopment of the street should involve the 

construction of 3 storey buildings for residential use with ground floor retail. 

A link from the main access to the Buttercrane across the river and canal 

and connecting with the market and St Marys church should be promoted in 

conjunction with any redevelopment of this site. There may also be an 

opportunity to provide public access along the rear of these buildings 

9. Water Street/ Lower Water Street 

This site includes land to the rear of Supervalu and the Cathedral and 

is also bound by Abbey Way. It is a back land site with a mix of flats 

development and a poorly laid out car park. This would be suitable 

location for a bus station which could be developed underneath a 

comprehensive development site that might include retailing, leisure 

and office uses. As with the North Street redevelopment, multi-storey car parking should be 

taken into consideration. Access to and views of the Cathedral would also need to be 

considered in any redevelopment scheme and a precinct set around the Cathedral to protect its 

setting. 

11. Abbey Playing Fields 

The development of Lidl, the proposed development around the 

Bagnals Castle site and the possible move of the Abbey Primary School 

has resulted in this site being considered as a possible opportunity site 

within the context of the city centre. In order to protect the retail 

importance of Hill Street and Monaghan Street, it is recommended that 

a policy be applied to this site restricting retail development. The development of the site should 

be in conjunction with the plans for Bagnals Castle. It would be suitable for office, leisure and car 

parking with some residential. Access to the site is rather restricted and should be via the 

Bagnals Castle site so as to prevent any further congestion on Courtney Hill. Land to the north 

of the Grammar School should be retained for open space/park. 

12. Health Centre 

Bounded by St Marys Street, John Mitchell Place and William Street, this 

site occupies a prominent gateway into the city centre, but its current 

use does not function as such. It will form an important physical and 

visual link from the Quays and any future Albert Basin development 

directly into the southern end of the primary retail core. Any future use 

on this site should act as a “reception” building providing an attraction that will draw people into 

the primary retail core from the major uses around the Quays and Albert Basin. It may be 

appropriate to develop part of the site as a plaza tying in with the setting of the church to the 

north. 



13. River Street 

River Street is currently used as an additional link road onto William 

Street, which adds to congestion at this point. The land between the 

buildings on River Street and the river should be considered as one 

development site. The site could be developed in conjunction with 

the health centre site (detailed above) as some form of gateway 

development. It will form an important link site from the any future 

Albert Basin development across to the primary retail core. 

14. Cornmarket 

This small site is currently occupied by a car sales garage in the 

middle of an otherwise very attractive street. The frontage on 

Cornmarket should be continued along the street and the site 

redeveloped for retail uses. The relationship of the site to the 

proposed redevelopment of Opportunity Site 6 should be taken 

into consideration and the traditional street pattern and the link 

through from Monaghan Street should not be compromised. 

15. Jennings Park 

The site includes the existing Newry Swimming Pool, Jennings 

Park and Frank Curran Park. The consultations raised the issue 

of the need for a major leisure facility in Newry. This site with 

its existing leisure use would be the ideal site for a new building 

housing all leisure facilities under one roof. Access could be off 

the existing access at Clanrye Avenue. Alternatively, being close to the city centre and existing 

housing, the site may be suitable for mixed residential and commercial use (excluding retailing). 

16. Railway Avenue 

This is currently a car park on the edge of the city centre 

boundary. The City Centre Health Check identified this street as 

not contributing significantly to the vitality of the city centre. 

This site may be suitable for a supermarket and multi-storey car 

parking. 



5.3 Recommended Planning Policies 

The map below shows the proposed city centre boundary and suggested planning zonings that have come about as a result of the City Centre Health Check, SWOT and Townscape Appraisal and detailed in 

Section 3 above. 



Planning Policies 

a. Central Area Boundary 

A new city centre boundary is proposed. Given that this boundary now takes in a much wider area 

and other uses as well as traditional retailing, it is proposed to call it the Central Area Boundary. It 

has been drawn in the light of the analysis of the health check, possible future land uses and a 

consideration of the urban function and townscape value of each District within the central area. It is 

proposed to adjust the existing city centre boundary by extending it to the south. The main 

adjustments are: 

- Extension of the boundary to the south to include the Quays Shopping Centre and the proposed 

Albert Basin site which lies between the river and the canal. This site also includes the current 

meat-processing factory, just off Warrenpoint Road. The justification for inclusion of the Quays 

is detailed in the Town Centre Analysis section above. The land at the Albert Basin is possibly 

due for redevelopment. In the spirit of Paragraph 14 of PPS 5, town and city centres should be 

the focus for a mix of land uses, accessible to all by public transport connections. It is therefore 

considered that this area be included within the city centre boundary on the same basis as the 

inclusion of the Quays, in that it will provide the opportunity to consider proposals for the area 

within the context of the city centre as a whole. The benefits to the rest of Newry of any 

development at the Albert Basin will depend on good linkages between it and the rest of the city 

centre. 

- The boundary has also been extended to the east to include the North Street Flats and Abbey 

Playing Fields Opportunity Sites. It is important that the future development of these sites is 

considered in an inner urban context and whilst Abbey Way was previously regarded as a 

boundary, the importance of the sites and their potential reuse has meant that the road is now 

an inner urban through road. 

- The entrance to the city centre from the Warrenpoint Road is one of five important approaches 

to Newry. The potential development of the Albert Basin site has increased the importance of 

this approach. Frontage development in the Albert Basin site should be reflected by strong, inner 

urban development on the opposite side of Warrenpoint Road. The Inter-Trade Ireland 

development on the former gas works site sets the tone for the future development of this side 

of the road. It is suggested that the central area boundary be extended as far as the roundabout 

on the Warrenpoint Road as this is the natural entrance to the central area. 

b. Primary Retail Core 

An area has been defined around Hill Street, Margaret Street, Marcus Street, O’Hagan Street, Mill 

Street and part of John Mitchell Place as the primary retail core. This area contains the traditional 

concentration of retailing and other town centre uses. 

c. Zonings 

i. Sugar Island District 

This is an area in transition. It forms a niche for entertainment and offices and any policies for this 

District should encourage such uses. There are a number of attractive vacant warehouse buildings, 

especially on Sugarhouse Quay, that should be retained and reused. It is proposed that this area will 

be the focus for civic uses, bars, restaurants and offices. 

ii. Monaghan Street District Centre 

From the health check analysis, it is apparent that this area is also in transition from a traditional 

town centre shopping street to one that is providing more of a district centre function. This is an 

appropriate function for this area and should be allowed to continue, especially since the area is 

unlikely to be able to compete with the retail development to the south of the city centre. The 

zoning includes Monaghan Street, Lower Catherine Street, Railway Avenue, Edward Street and land 

around and to the rear of Dunnes. The land between Cornmarket and Monaghan Street (including 

Dunnes) should be considered for major redevelopment and is discussed above under the heading of 

Opportunity Sites. Lower Catherine Street forms part of the Monaghan Street District centre and 

any major redevelopment along this street should link with Monaghan Street. This is also considered 

under the Opportunity Sites section above. Monaghan Street itself would benefit from an 

environmental improvement scheme. 

iii. Education and Community Uses 

The College of Further Education site and the health village have been zoned as Community Uses. 

The College provides a significant draw to this part of the City Centre and its continued existence 

on this site should be encouraged. Any expansion of the college should consider linkages through to 

Monaghan Street to make it more a part of this District and connect with any redevelopment of the 

health village and the land to the rear of Dunnes. The Covent of Mercy on the Warrenpoint Road is 

also zoned for Community Use, so as to protect this site from the pressure of commercial 

development. 



iv. Canal Redevelopment Zone 

The public consultation exercise has identified the Canal and River as being of major importance in 

any future development of central Newry. It is therefore important that a plan be put in place to 

secure the long-term redevelopment of the area of land between the canal and river and the land on 

either side. The Canal Redevelopment Zone includes all the land, buildings, water and spaces from 

Dublin Bridge to the northern end of Merchants Quay and the town hall. It takes in the buildings 

fronting the Mall, buildings on St Marys Street, the part of the Buttercrane Shopping Centre facing 

Buttercrane Quay and all the buildings on Merchants Quay. The long-term vision for the area is 

based on the reuse of the river and the canal and the space in between as a central space for Newry. 

However it is not intended that this be a green wedge, but should be very urban. Linkages north and 

south along this space and back and forward across the water bodies are crucial. Legibility and visual 

linkages will therefore play a major part in the overall vision and in any redevelopment. It will be the 

focus for events and civic functions, containing monuments and a small number of important 

buildings at key locations. The buildings along the streets on either side will play a key role in defining 

the space. At present, the scale and height of the buildings are generally not large enough in 

comparison to the breadth of the area occupied by the canal and river. Future buildings would 

therefore need to be at least 4 to 5 storeys in height in order to enclose the space. The physical and 

visual barriers that restrict views and movement across the space need to be removed. The aim will 

be to change the river and canal from being perceived as a boundary to being a feature in themselves. 

Types of uses that would be considered acceptable along Merchants Quay and the Mall would 

include, restaurants, residential, offices, small-scale comparison retailing and hotels. The streets need 

to be more pedestrian friendly with the uses sharing space with the streets and having a greater link 

with the water. At present, there are too many blank frontages facing the water. Uses such as retail 

warehousing would not be regarded as acceptable in this area. 

Marcus Square would benefit from a reduced number of vehicles or if possible a complete removal 

of vehicles from the street. This would facilitate uses that could then “spill” out onto a street 

dominated by pedestrians. However, this has failed in the past due to lack of alternative, convenient 

off street parking, an adequate taxi rank, rear servicing to all premises and the fear that a street 

without vehicle movement in the evening would not be vibrant. It would therefore be important that 

any move towards pedestrianisation should be implemented in a phased manner. The first phase 

would be to provide more attractive parking and servicing alternatives to the rear of the properties 

with good linkages into the main shopping streets. Policies that would encourage night-time uses and 

city centre living should be put in place at the same time. Opportunity sites such as the North Street 

flats and the car park at Lower Water Street should be redeveloped to incorporate extensive car 

parking that would serve the Primary Retail Core and the canal and river area. Only after these 

changes have become established, will it be possible for the pedestrianisation of Hill Street to begin. 

It will be necessary to establish a detailed strategy for the proper implementation of the 

pedestrianisation and related proposals. 

vi. Office, Leisure and Parking 

The area from the North Street Flats to the Boat Street roundabout, including Abbey Playing Fields 

has been zoned for office, leisure and parking uses. The North Street site is one of the most 

important sites that has become available in the city centre. The high demand for city centre office 

space could be accommodated here, close to the city centre, yet not impacting on vital retail space. 

The idea to develop the sites with extensive car parking should be reflected strongly in any 

proposals for the site and should be stated in the Area Plan. Despite the difficult links with the 

central area, the provision of car parking on these sites will undoubtedly take pressure off more 

important sites, better used for open space purposes. 

v. Primary Retail Core 

The policy for this area should aim to reverse the trend noted in the health check that Hill Street 

and surrounding streets are moving from being a comparison goods area to one which is mainly 

occupied by retail services such as travel agents, banks and cafes. Any proposals which might 

prejudice the vitality and viability of the Primary Retail Core should be considered unacceptable. 

Further, those which would result in a significant loss of retail floorspace and the clustering of nonretail 

uses should be discouraged. In order to boost the evening economy and encourage Primary 

Retail Core to be used beyond 5pm, uses such as restaurants, bars and living above shops should be 

promoted. One of the main aims for Hill Street should be to create a more vibrant and safer 

environment beyond normal working hours. Hill Street and in particular Margaret Square and 

vii. Major Retailing 

The existing Quays and Buttercrane Shopping centres have been identified under this zoning. Both 

these centres are vital to the economy of central Newry and in the short to medium term at least 

should be afforded protection under PPS5. Policies should be put in place to encourage both these 

centres to play a bigger role in the well being of the city centre and improved linkages to and across 

the canal and river to the traditional shopping area should be encouraged. Buttercrane in particular 

presents a dead frontage to Buttercrane Quay. The strategy for better connections across the canal 

and river will be dependent upon good physical and visual linkages between the shopping centre and 

the Hill Street area. 



viii. Albert Basin 

The land between the Albert Basin and the river and between the river and Warrenpoint Road is to 

be included within the Central Area. Any future development of this land should be carried out 

within the context of the City Centre and good links created between it and the rest of the centre 

via the proposed redevelopment along the canal and river. This is a prime redevelopment site and 

most non-industrial uses would be acceptable. However, despite the fact that the site is within the 

Central Area Boundary, retailing should be strictly prohibited so as to prevent direct competition 

with the traditional town centre and Primary Retail Core. As part of the overall development, it may 

be suitable for the inclusion of one or two small convenience shops to service the other land uses. 

These shops should be restricted to no more than 200sqm floorspace. The site should also be 

considered for designation as an “Area of Parking Restraint” under Planning Policy Statement 3 

because of its proximate to public transport links, being in a congested area of the city and close to 

other parking. A reduced level of parking is likely to act as an incentive to potential developers who 

wish to maximise floorspace on this inner city site. Newry and Mourne District Council agreed a 

way forward for the future development of the Albert Basin site in December 2003. 

ix. Office and Residential 

This zoning covers the land along the Warrenpoint Road to the roundabout and one side of Boat 

Street. It is envisaged that development within this zone will be of an inner urban nature reflecting 

and complimenting the possible Albert Basin development and building on the success of the Inter- 

Trade Ireland success. 



5.4 Sketch Proposals 

The following are a series of sketch plans showing various suggested proposals around the city 

centre. They are conceptual ideas that develop some of the opportunity sites further. 

2. Corry’s Square 

The former police station site and McClelland Park are 

combined in this proposal. The open space is moved into a 

courtyard, surrounded by buildings fronting Lower 

Catherine Street and Corry’s Square. A pedestrian access is 

shown connecting the site with Monaghan Street. 

3. Coalyard 

This is a prominent site at the northern end of the proposed 

canal redevelopment zone. The proposal suggests a landmark 

building to act as a focal point. The setting of the town hall and 

arts centre should be respected and a courtyard development 

created with frontage onto the canal, perhaps also incorporating 

a footpath. 

This sketch shows the existing central area of Newry. Key buildings are highlighted and some of the 

main opportunity sites detailed in Section 5.2 above have been developed into suggested layouts. 

Each of the nine sites are shown in more detail in the sketches below and a short description of the 

suggested layout given. 

1. Sugar House Quay 

The frontage along Canal Quay and Sugar House Quay 

should be improved while retaining the character of the 

streets. An opportunity site exists on the corner of Canal 

Quay and New Street, possibly for multi-storey car parking. 

Canal Street is also in need of significant environmental 

improvement. 

4. Monaghan Street 

The proposal shows street side frontage and a street 

layout to the rear connecting Monaghan Street with 

Cornmarket. The site also includes the building facing 

Merchants Quay, which should be redeveloped to 

contribute more to the central space. A pedestrian 

connection from the site across the canal and river to 

Marcus Square is also included. 



5. Cathedral Precinct 

The cathedral is probably the most important building 

in the centre of Newry. The proposal suggests a 

precinct or plaza be put in place around the building 

to define and protect its setting. A new multi-storey 

building is suggested outside the precinct to house 

parking and perhaps a bus depot underground. 

8. Health Centre 

The opportunity exists through redevelopment of this site to 

open up views of St Mary’s church and capitalising on the 

proposed linkage described under 7 above. The site is a 

gateway to the main shopping streets and could be opened up 

to create a plaza. 

6. North Street 

This key opportunity site is due to be 

redeveloped in the near future. A strong 

building frontage is required along Abbey 

Way and a feature building, acting as a visual 

linkage, would form part of the 

redevelopment. The link across Abbey Way 

in Margaret Square should be strengthened 

as far as possible. 

9. River Street/ Kilmorey Street 

In connection with the proposals for the Health Centre site, 

this area is also a gateway and should be defined by tall street 

frontage buildings. Congestion on William Street could be 

alleviated to a degree by the closure of vehicular access from 

River Street. This could also provide the opportunity to 

create riverside frontage or as a new access onto the Island 

Site on the other side of the river. 

7. St Mary’s Street 

Improvement of the linkage across the river and canal between 

the Buttercrane and the lower part of Hill Street is required, 

which will involve new bridges and the removal of a number of 

buildings in St Mary’s Street to facilitate a connection to St 

Mary’s Street and the market. Once created, there will be a 

continuous vista between Buttercrane in the west and Bagenals 

Castle in the east via St Mary’s Church and St Colmans Park. 



5.5 Artist Impressions 

The following artist impressions are a culmination of the policies and proposals in the previous sections. 

They provide a picture as to how some parts of the city might look if such proposals were implemented. 

They should not be taken as a final commitment as to how the particular streets should be developed, 

but should be regarded as being ideas as to what might be possible. However, it is recommended that 

the principles of what is being shown here be adopted. 

Proposed Canal Side 

Redevelopment Zone. 

The image shows 

additional pedestrian 

bridges across the river 

and canal and a 

pedestrian park and 

open space between the 

river and canal. The 

landmark building 

described under 

Coalyard site in Section 

5.4 can be seen at the 

top of the image. 

Aerial View of the Sugar Island area, showing redevelopment of the buildings on Sugar 

House Quay and the courtyard development at the Coalyard site 

View of the redeveloped 

Health Centre Site. A plaza 

has been created which 

opens up views of the 

church. The connection 

between the Buttercrane and 

Bagenals Castle, via St Mary’s 

Street and the church can 

also be seen 



6.0 ACTION PLAN – REALISING THE VISION 

a. Rediscovering the Waterside City 

Projects/ Actions 

Possible Funding Delivered By Priority 

Sources 

- Promote the removal of surface car parking in the central area. DRD/DSD DRD/NMDC 1 

- Promote the redevelopment the central area between the river and canal as a central park DSD/ EU Programmes NMDC 

- Ensure the removal of walls and other visual barriers between Merchants Quay and Mall DSD/ EU Programmes NMDC 1 

- Ensure frontage development and pedestrian access along the Canal front at the Coal Yard site Private Private/DOE/NMDC 2 

- Ensure that any developments on or near the canal do not stymie a long term goal to reopen the canal as a usable water body. NMDC NMDC 3 

- Ensure that the redevelopment of the canal side considers the history of Newry as a merchant settlement and steps should be 

- DOE/NMDC 2 

taken to regain the traditional quay side along the length of the canal within the city centre 

- Maximise waterfront potential of Albert Basin site and The Quays Private DOE/Private/NMDC 2 

- Explore all the options in controlling river levels DARD/NMDC DARD/NMDC 1 

- Promote new frontage development of 4 to 5 storey in height to define the waterside and to create an urban form of city Private Private/DOE/NMDC 1 

proportions 

- Explore the feasibility of water-based activities in the Albert Basin in conjunction with the redevelopment of the Albert Basin site. NMDC NMDC 3 



b. Creating an Accessible City 



Sources 

- Promote the relocation of the taxi rank to the Mall, where a more typical linear arrangement could be adopted DRD/DSD DRD/NMDC/Taxi 

1 

Companies 

- Work with Translink to explore how to improve the bus service between the train station and the bus station Translink Translink/NMDC 1 

- Ensure that designers and contractors working on EI schemes should be encouraged to consult with William Keown Trust and 

- NMDC 2 

Disability Action, (deal with matters relating to disability in Northern Ireland). 

- Set up public awareness meetings with the William Keown Trust to allow the ‘providers’ and ‘users’ of the built environment to NMDC NMDC/ William Keown 1 

come together to focus appraisal on issues relating to disability access within the built and open environments. 

Trust 

- Commission a “street scope audit” to assess the current accessibility issues in Newry city centre. A design guide should be 

- NMDC/William Keown 1 

prepared on the basis of this audit. 

Trust 

- Identify a number of key sites within the city centre for the location of high quality disabled toilet facilities. These should be located 

NMDC NMDC 1 

at main focal points within easy reach of disabled car parking. 

- Sites need to be identified for parking spaces dedicated to people with disabilities and need to located close to shops and other 

DRD DRD 2 

services 

- Consideration should be given to clamping of those non-disabled people who park in disabled place DRD/PSNI DRD/PSNI 3 

- Ensure the Area Plan includes a policy on disability in design of buildings and urban environment - DOE 1 

- Develop a parking strategy that creates a necklace of car parks around the central area DRD/Private DRD/Private 1 

- Create strong visual and physical pedestrian links between the car parks and the shopping and office areas to include signage and DSD/NMDC NMDC 1 

surface treatments 

- Improve signage to car parks from main routes into and through the city centre. Signs should indicate direction to “Shopping Car DRD/NMDC DRD/NMDC 1 

Parks” and not names of streets 

- Consideration should be given to replacing parallel parking on the east side of Merchants’ Quay between Francis Street and 

DRD DRD 2 

Monaghan Street with diagonal parking to provide additional parking capacity 

- Introduce time restrictions in those areas where short term parking would facilitate use of city centre businesses DRD DRD 2 

- Introduce charging at key locations where there is pressure for parking DRD DRD 

- Ensure a commitment to enforcing parking restrictions DRD/PSNI DRD/PSNI 1 

- Maintain Abbey Way as the main route through the city and ensure ease of flow DRD DRD 2 



b. Creating an Accessible City (continued) 



Sources 

- Investigate the effects of replacing the existing roundabouts at Boat Street and Kilmorey Street with a linked traffic signal control 

DRD DRD 1 

system, linking to the existing Bridge Street/ Buttercrane Quay signalised junction 

- Monitor the effects of parallel on-street parking along Abbey Way to assess the effects on carriageway capacity, DRD DRD 2 

- Introduce a pedestrian phase into the proposed signalised junctions at Boat Street and Kilmorey Street DRD DRD 1 

- Consider improved signage and alternative points of access to The Quays car park from Albert Basin/Fathom Line to assist in DRD/Quays Owners DRD/Quays Owners 1 

reducing traffic demand on Bridge Street 

- Explore the option of moving the bus depot from the central area to an edge of centre site so as to reduce congestion caused by Translink Translink/ NMDC 2 

large vehicles on Merchants Quay. 

- Widen the footpath on Merchants’ Quay in conjunction with the revision of on-street parking arrangements to provide an 

DRD DRD 2 

opportunity for better cycle and pedestrian links from Albert Basin to Sugar Island. 

- Provide new cycling facilities in conjunction with the redevelopment of the central area DRD/NMDC DRD/NMDC 2 

- Investigate opportunities for increasing the operating capacity at the signalised junction for the Buttercrane Centre and The Quays 

DRD DRD 1 

and allocate any additional green time to pedestrian movements to support sustainable transport initiatives 

- Promote the construction of new pedestrian footbridges across the Newry Canal to improve linkages between Merchants’ Quay 

NMDC NMDC 2 

and the bus station area and ultimately the Marcus Square area via Marcus Street, with an associated pelican crossing on Merchants’ 

Quay to provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians 

- Consider the provision of additional pelican crossing on the Mall if justified by demand or road safety concerns DRD DRD 2 

- Promote the construction of a pedestrian footbridge across the Newry River adjacent to the existing footbridge over the Newry 

Canal to improve linkages between Buttercrane Quay and St Mary’s Street and linking through to St Marys Church, St Colmans 

Park and Bagenals Castle. 

NMDC NMDC 2 



c. Transforming the urban environment 



Sources 

- Insist that the Area Plan includes policies ensuring that new development or redevelopment of buildings along Merchants Quay, Mall 

- DOE 1 

and Buttercrane Quay should be at least 4 storeys in height so as to improve the relationship of the streetscape with the canal and 

river. 

- Create civic spaces at a number of key sites round the city centre – Cathedral Square; Linear Park from St Colmans Park, via St NMDC NMDC 1 

Marys Church to the river (including bridge link through St Marys Street to the Buttercrane); major events venue in the central park 

centre on the current bus depot site; minor events space in coal yard site to the rear of the arts centre with a link to the Town 

Hall. 

- Consider a phased approach to the pedestrianisation of Hill Street and the creation of Marcus Square and Margaret Square as DRD DRD/NMDC 2 

formal civic spaces 

- Develop multi storey parking on existing car parks at Lower Water Street, Sugar House Quay and to the rear of the telephone DRD/Private DRD/Private 1 

exchange 

- Promote the development of new multi storey car parks to the rear of Merchants Quay and North Street site as part of Private DRD/Private 1 

redevelopment of these sites 

- Limit current surface parking on significant sites such as in the central area – gradually remove this as provision of multi storey 

DRD/NMDC DRD/NMDC 1 

alternatives increases 

- Incorporate all new multi storey into new commercial development and ensure that the car park fits with the streetscape. New 

Private/DRD DRD/DOE 1 

parking should be of a high standard that provides adequate width between bays. 

- Remove traffic from River Street to facilitate river side development DRD DRD 2 



d. Retaining a vibrant city centre 



Sources 

- Ensure area plan has land zoned and site identified for major leisure use - DOE 1 

- Create a strong link between Bagenals Castle and the Buttercrane via St Colmans Park and provision of new link through St Marys DSD/ NMDC NMDC/ City Centre 

2 

Street and across the river and canal 

Partnership 

- Consider additional development above the Market Private/NMDC Private/NMDC/ City 

3 

Centre Partnership 

- Consider developing the market into a themed market and expand the number of uses NMDC NMDC 

- Zone sites for office accommodation within city centre boundary. - DOE 1 

- Widen city centre boundary to open up lands on edge of current centre for office development - DOE 1 

- Commission the preparation of a lighting strategy for the main streets and key buildings within the city centre and secure grants for Private/NMDC/ City Private/NMDC/ City 

1 

lighting of key buildings 

Centre Partnership Centre Partnership 

- Continue the debate on the introduction of CCTV into the central area - NMDC/PSNI/ City 

2 

Centre Partnership 

- Through zoning in the Area Plan, promote the clustering of evening entertainment in districts with the city centre - DOE 1 

- Promote the reuse of old buildings for apartment development, especially along Sugar House and Merchants Quays - DOE/NMDC 2 

- Seek “Living over the Shop” opportunities in Hill St and Monaghan St NIHE NIHE/ City Centre 

2 

Partnership 

- Ensure that Hill Street remains the primary retail area for Newry - DOE 1 



APPENDICES 

APPENDIX 1 – RETAIL CATEGORY DEFINITIONS 

1. FOOD 

Large grocery retailers e.g. supermarkets 

Other grocery retailers 

Butchers 

Dairymen 

Fishmongers 

Greengrocers 

Bakers shops 

2. OTHER CONVENIENCE 

Confectionary 

Newsagents 

Off-licences 

Chemists 

3. BULKY DURABLE 

Household textiles and soft furnishings 

Carpet retailers 

Furniture new and second hand, antique and art dealers 

Radio, television and music good retailers (excluding establishments solely denoted to hire e.g. 

TV hire), electrical and gas appliances 

General hardware, wallpaper and paint shops 

DIY retailers 

Funeral furnishers 

Repairs 

Cafes, restaurants and hot food bars 

Public houses 

TV and video hire 

Car and taxi hire 

Photographic Studios 

Dressmakers 

Driving Schools 

Auction rooms and pawnbrokers 

Travel agents 

Bookmakers 

Post office 

Banks and building societies 

7. VACANT 

8. COMMUNITY SERVICE 

Dentist 

Doctors 

Church 

Educational Facility 

Solicitors 

4. OTHER DURABLE 

Clothing and footwear 

Leather and travel goods 

Booksellers, stationers and office supplies 

Photographic goods retailers 

Jewellery and watch and clock shops 

Toys, hobby, cycle and motor accessories and sports goods retailers 

Florists, nurserymen and garden centres 

Pet shops 

Other non-food shops not classified elsewhere 

5. LARGE SUPERMARKETS AND MIXED STORES 

6. RETAIL SERVICE 

Dry cleaners and launderettes 

Hairdressers and beauticians 



APPENDIX 2 – RETAIL CATEGORIES PER STREET 

Street Retail Category Number of Units 

(1999) 

Francis Street 

Cornmarket 

Patrick Street 

Monaghan 

Street 


(2003) 

1 1 0 

2 1 0 

3 2 0 

4 2 4 

5 0 0 

6 7 11 

7 1 0 

8 0 0 

Total 14 15 

1 0 0 

2 0 0 

3 6 1 

4 3 4 

5 1 0 

6 3 7 

7 1 5 

8 1 1 

Total 15 18 

1 0 0 

2 1 0 

3 0 1 

4 1 0 

5 0 0 

6 1 3 

7 0 0 

8 0 0 

Total 3 4 

1 2 1 

2 3 7 

3 8 1 

4 13 12 

5 1 1 

6 14 28 

7 13 9 

8 0 3 

Total 54 62 


(1999) 

Merchants 

Quay 

Railway 

Avenue 

Lower 

Catherine 

Street 

Canal Street 


(2003) 

1 0 0 

2 1 0 

3 3 6 

4 6 3 

5 0 0 

6 3 9 

7 4 4 

8 0 4 

Total 17 26 

1 0 0 

2 0 0 

3 2 0 

4 2 0 

5 0 0 

6 5 6 

7 0 2 

8 0 2 

Total 9 10 

1 0 0 

2 0 0 

3 0 0 

4 1 1 

5 0 0 

6 3 10 

7 3 0 

8 2 2 

Total 9 13 

1 0 1 

2 3 1 

3 0 0 

4 1 1 

5 0 0 

6 4 6 

7 8 11 

8 0 1 

Total 16 21 




(1999) 

Sugar Island 


(2003) 

1 2 0 

2 0 2 

3 0 0 

4 2 2 

5 0 0 

6 7 6 

7 2 4 

8 0 3 

Total 13 17 


(1999) 

Marcus Street 


(2003) 

1 0 0 

2 0 0 

3 0 0 

4 4 1 

5 1 0 

6 7 8 

7 1 2 

8 0 1 

Total 13 12 

Kildare Street 

1 0 0 

2 0 0 

3 4 2 

4 3 1 

5 0 0 

6 4 6 

7 1 0 

8 0 0 

Total 12 9 

Mill Street 

1 0 1 

2 0 1 

3 3 0 

4 4 6 

5 0 0 

6 3 3 

7 2 4 

8 0 5 

Total 12 20 

Hill 

Street/John 

Mitchell Place 

1 9 9 

2 6 5 

3 12 8 

4 31 36 

5 2 3 

6 12 27 

7 6 5 

8 7 13 

Total 85 106 

O’Hagan 

Street 

1 0 0 

2 0 1 

3 0 0 

4 2 1 

5 0 0 

6 1 2 

7 0 0 

8 0 0 

Total 3 4 

Margaret 

Street 

1 2 1 

2 1 0 

3 0 0 

4 5 6 

5 0 0 

6 4 4 

7 3 2 

8 0 1 

Total 15 14 

Abbey Way 

1 0 0 

2 1 0 

3 3 1 

4 0 5 

5 0 0 

6 3 8 

7 5 2 

8 0 0 

Total 12 16 




(1999) 

Mall 

St. Mary’s 

Street 

Buttercrane 


(2003) 

1 0 0 

2 0 3 

3 0 3 

4 1 0 

5 0 0 

6 1 11 

7 9 9 

8 0 3 

Total 11 29 

1 0 1 

2 3 1 

3 0 7 

4 8 3 

5 0 0 

6 5 6 

7 3 6 

8 0 1 

Total 19 25 

1 2 2 

2 3 5 

3 4 2 

4 34 40 

5 4 1 

6 6 4 

7 0 3 

8 1 0 

Total 54 57 

Total for Newry City Centre 

Retail Category 

Number 

of Units 

(1999) 

Percentage of 

Total (1999) 

Number 

of Units 

(2003) 

Percentage 

of Total 

(2003) 

1 18 4.7 16 3.3 

2 23 6 26 5.4 

3 44 11.5 32 6.7 

4 123 32 126 26.4 

5 9 2.4 5 1.1 

6 93 24.3 165 34.5 

7 62 16.2 68 14.2 

8 11 2.9 40 8.4 

Total 383 100 478 100 

Retail Categories for the Quays Shopping Centre 


(1999) 

The Quays 


(2003) 

1 N/A 1 

2 N/A 3 

3 N/A 0 

4 N/A 24 

5 N/A 0 

6 N/A 3 

7 N/A 2 

8 N/A 0 

Total N/A 33 



APPENDIX 3 – Summary of Initial Consultation Responses (summer 2003) 

A. Trader Questionnaires 

1.0 Questionnaires were mailed to 540 traders in the Newry City area as part of the Newry City Centre Masterplan that 

will be fed into the forthcoming Banbridge/Newry & Mourne Area Plan 2015. There was a response rate of 16% with 89 

questionnaires being returned. 

2.0 Questions 1-5 retrieved contact details from each of the 89 respondents from Newry. 

2.1 Question 6 asked respondents ‘How long have you been trading in Newry’ Respondents were given three options to 

choose from. 12% of respondents said ‘0-3 years’, 28% have been in Newry ‘4-10 years’ and the remaining 60% have 

been trading in Newry ’11 or more years’. The following chart illustrates responses given: 

How long have you been trading in Newry 

Response 

From Newry 

(%) 

From 

elsewhere in 

Newry & 

Mourne (%) 

From other 

parts of NI 

(%) 

From the 

Republic of 

Ireland (%) 

No response 3 6 13 17 

1-10% 6 27 29 61 

11-20% 5 18 49 10 

21-30% 10 16 2 9 

31-40% 17 22 3 1 

41-50% 18 5 2 - 

51-60% 14 4 1 2 

61-70% 11 2 - - 

71-80% 7 - - - 

81-90% 6 - 1 - 

28% 

60% 

12% 

0-3 yrs 

4-10 yrs 

11yrs + 

2.2 The next question asked traders to estimate what percentage of trade comes from people living in Newry, people living 

in other parts of Northern Ireland, people living elsewhere in Newry & Mourne and people from the Republic of Ireland. 

3% of respondents get between 91-100% of their trade from people living in Newry. A significant number of businesses 

draw trade from outside the city as would be expected. The following table highlights all responses given. Those 

highlighted in bold indicate most frequent responses. 

91-100% 3 - - - 

To summarise: 

o 97% of respondents get trade from people living in Newry 

o 94% of traders get trade from people who reside elsewhere in Newry& Mourne 

o 87% get trade from people living in other parts of Northern Ireland 

o A significant 83% of Newry traders get trade from the Republic of Ireland 

2.3 Question 8 presented respondents with a range of issues that may cause difficulties for their business. They were 

asked to rate them from 1 (not serious at all) to 5 (very serious). 



No 

Response 

Parking for you and your staff 2 30 6 11 18 33 

Parking for your customers 2 18 8 10 16 46 

Traffic congestion generally 2 5 11 33 19 30 

Difficulties off-loading stock 9 35 11 12 14 19 

(%) 

1 

(%) 

2 

(%) 

3 

(%) 

4 

(%) 

5 

(%) 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

3% said Newry in general needs more parking 

3% said parking and traffic congestion are major problems for their customers 

2% said parking has improved but could be better 

2% said workers should not have to pay for parking in order to go to work 

1% of respondents said the only good parking is at the shopping centres 

1% view plans to remove parking on Merchants Quay as an attack on businesses 

1% suggested the concrete area on the Mall should have been used for parking 

1% of respondents said there is a total lack of disabled parking in Kildare Street 

Upper floors which are vacant in your 

premises 

20 60 3 8 2 7 

Other Issues Raised: 

Competition from other independent traders 4 37 16 27 5 11 

Competition from multiples and shopping 

8 39 9 18 10 16 

centres 

Difficulties in securing staff 4 31 16 23 15 11 

Complying with government legislation 4 36 19 21 9 11 

Appearance of area surrounding your 

1 27 20 21 9 22 

premises 

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour 1 16 21 19 25 18 

Those highlighted in bold indicate the percentage of respondents who rated the issues as of major concern. When 

ranked using a weighting and scoring system the top three issues in order are: 

S Parking for your customers 

S Traffic congestion generally 

S Parking for you and your staff 

Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 26% responded, 

some making various comments. 38 comments were generated in total. The issue of parking featured strongly 

being referred to by 17% of respondents. 

Parking Issues: 

S 3% said parking is difficult for their customers and charged parking is driving business away 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

2% of respondents commented on traffic wardens being too strict 

2% referred to the cost of rates in Newry and cited that they are too high 

2% said footpaths and exterior of buildings need attention, a further 2% also said the appearance of derelict 

buildings in Newry sets a bad impression 

1% said there is too much vandalism and a further 1% suggested installing CCTV immediately 

1% said the traffic in Newry does not allow lorries to off-load while a further 1% of respondents cited offloading 

lorries as the major cause of congestion 

1% said public transport is not good for staff getting to work 

1% said the perceived increase in crime is a problem for Newry 

1% of respondents said trade dies when the banks on Hill Street are closed 

1% are having major problems with bins from other shops 

1% said non vets distributing medicines is compromising safety standards 

1% of respondents said street sweeping is not done in all areas 

1% suggested investing time and money into Canal Street 

1% said Newry needs a police service with adequate numbers on the street 

1% said it is dangerous crossing the road at Trevor Hill 

1% commented that the shopping centres and surrounding areas are well kept 

1% commented that traffic problems escalate at peak times and on bank holidays 

1% of respondents said there is no environmental plan for Patrick’s Street 

1% said the Trevor Hill area is littered with rubbish from take away food outlets at night 

1% made the comment that all traders have the same immediate pressures 

1% said their staff security should improve with new radio links 

1% believe the Council and town centre management are not interested in Merchants Quay 

1% of respondents said there are some young people who hang around alleyways causing problems 



2.4 Question 9 covered an extensive range of issues. 36 statements were put to respondents for them to indicate if 

they ‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’ or ‘strongly disagree’. The following results were recorded. 

Statement 

No 

respons 

e 

Strongly 

Agree 

Agree 

Strongly 

disagree 

Newry centre looks alive 5 10 56 29 

The city centre is attractive in the 

evenings and weekends 

People can buy everything they need in 

the city centre 

Shop fronts are generally attractive and 

window displays are inviting 

City centre shops generally offer friendly 

service 

City centre shops generally offer value for 

money 

Shop opening hours meet customer 

needs 

A loyalty scheme for independent traders 

would help build trade 

The city centre is developing a niche that 

attracts customers 

The city centre needs a special attraction 

to draw in visitors 

7 2 30 61 

3 23 52 22 

1 12 70 17 

2 21 73 4 

2 18 75 5 

2 20 69 9 

8 24 55 13 

6 14 46 34 

7 53 29 11 

The market is an attraction 2 24 48 26 

The centre has good places to eat and 

drink 

There are regular events which fill the 

streets with people 

3 27 56 14 

6 5 32 58 

There are good guides publicising the city 8 3 36 53 

All the services which businesses need 

are available locally 

It is easy for people to find their way into 

the city 

There is a strategy to attract car borne 

shoppers 

There are distinct long and short term 

car parks 

Parking restrictions and charges are 

clearly signed 

3 12 74 11 

3 9 70 18 

6 12 42 40 

7 3 52 38 

3 8 59 30 

There are clear directions to attractions 

and public facilities 

People, especially women, feel safe using 

the routes from the car parks 

There are traffic calming measures to 

keep speeds down 

You can cross the main streets easily and 

safely 

There is adequate access for people with 

disabilities on the streets 


disabilities in shops and public buildings 

There are visible cycle racks in key 

locations 

5 5 51 39 

8 3 55 34 

3 6 55 36 

5 9 61 25 

6 6 61 27 

7 7 57 29 

7 2 34 57 

Streets are kept clean of litter and graffiti 1 6 55 38 

The streets are well lit 1 8 73 18 

The streets are in good repair 3 9 60 28 

Street furniture is in the right place and is 

well maintained 

Pavements are uncluttered by poles and 

signs 

Businesses look after the area outside 

their property 

The police are involved in initiatives to 

make the centre safer and to cut crime 

There is a clear vision for the 

development of the city centre 

Traders and public bodies are cooperating 

well together to develop the 

city centre 

All traders share the burden equally of 

promoting the city centre 

3 10 67 20 

3 6 67 24 

3 7 70 20 

7 6 37 50 

12 6 42 40 

10 7 51 32 

7 10 33 50 

Various statements were rated ‘strongly agree’ by a significant number of respondents. They are as follows. 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

53% strongly agree ‘the city centre needs a special attraction to draw in visitors’ 

27% strongly agree ‘the centre has good places to eat and drink’ 

24% indicated they strongly agree that ‘the market is an attraction’ 

24% strongly agree with a loyalty scheme for independent traders to help build trade 

23% strongly agree that ‘people can buy everything they need in the city centre’ 



S 21% strongly agree ‘City centre shops generally offer friendly service’ 

Various statements were rated ‘strongly disagree’ by a significant number of respondents. They are as follows. 

S 61% strongly disagree ‘the city centre is attractive in the evenings and weekends’ 

S 58% strongly disagree ‘there are regular events which fill the streets with people’ 

S 57% strongly disagree ‘there are visible cycle racks in key locations’ 

S 53% strongly disagree ‘there are good guides publicising the city’ 

S 50% strongly disagree ‘the police are involved in initiatives to make the centre safer and to cut crime’ 

S 50% strongly disagree ‘all traders share the burden equally of promoting the city centre 

Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 24% responded 

producing 43 comments. The issue of the market featured most frequently. These responses are shown below. 

Market: 

S 1% said redevelopment of the market was badly thought out and incomplete 

S 1% said there appears to be no effort made to promote the market 

S 1% said the market is badly managed and is a lost opportunity in attracting tourists 

S 1% said the market is a facility which is vastly under used 

S 1% of respondents said nothing is done to encourage new stall holders to the market 

Other responses: 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

1% said there is a good provision of parking in Newry 

1% commented on HGV’s still driving through Newry instead of using the by-pass 

1% said money should be invested into developing Hill Street and Monaghan Street 

1% said the Council must be pro-active in developing the masterplan while a further 1% said the masterplan 

must be organised in a sustainable manner 

1% said some parking restrictions are not well highlighted 

1% said Hill Street footpath is in bad condition 

1% said there is too much emphasis on alcohol related entertainment 

1% said the city centre needs to host more events 

1% suggested a multi-storey car park in the Sugar Island vicinity 

1% said small businesses are struggling to match wages of the multi-national companies 

1% said there are too many retail outlets and not enough housing 

1% questioned where the city centre of Newry is 

1% said sandwich boards are illegal and dangerous 

1% commented on the litter levels on Hill Street 

1% said ‘this is the first time in 4 years that we have been consulted on these issues’ 

1% suggested installing CCTV for the protection of traders and the general public 

1% traffic congestion is a major problem at weekends 

1% said rates are too high in Newry 

1% of respondents highlighted the need for an adventure playground in Newry 

1% suggested covering the canal and the river to improve the area 

1% commented on the cobbled streets and high curbs and cited they are not wheelchair friendly 

S 2% said co-operation is needed at all levels to encourage and facilitate any development while a further 1% 

said people tend to ‘bury their heads in the sand’ 

S 1% said drunks and beggars put people off going down Hill Street and a further 1% said action should be 

taken to remove drunks from Newry 

S 2% said police presence is practically non-existent, another 1% said Newry needs a regular police presence 

on Hill Street while a further 1% said police are unable to patrol properly. Another 1% said they do not 

feel safe at night due to the lack of policing in the centre 

S 1% said anti-social behaviour could be curtailed in Marcus Square and a further 1% commented that 

vandalism and general anti-social behaviour are problems throughout the city 

S 1% said vacant property is a problem 

S 1% said there are no activities for teenagers 

S 1% said cheque fraud is a huge problem 

2.5 Question 10 (a) asked traders to outline any plans they may have to refurbish or develop their premises. 28% of 

Newry traders responded; responses given are shown below. 

S 7% are planning major refurbishment 

S 4% have recently refurbished 

S 3% of respondents said they are getting new shop signs and painting the exterior of their premises 

S 2% said they are considering a possible new shop front 

S 2% of respondents are going to paint the exterior of their premises 

S 2% recently acquired new premises and plan to refurbish 

S 1% have outline plans for a cosmetic external upgrade 

S 1% of respondents are considering making changes to the exterior of premises 

S 1% said they are refitting their shop before Christmas 



S 1% are getting a new shop front inclusive of lighting and window graphics 

S 1% of respondents are planning to extend their premises 

S 1% said the back section of their premises will be demolished 

S 1% said they have developed their business through increased advertising in recent times. 

S 1% are currently seeking new premises 

2.6 Question 10 (b) asked traders if they ever had any plans fettered or refused in the past. If yes, they were asked to 

outline barriers experienced. 5% responded with the following statements. 

S 1% said limited financial assistance through IFF urban development has caused problems in the past. 

S 1% said the Environmental Heritage Service policies have impinged upon their plans as they operate from a 

listed building 

S 1% said DOE has curbed their plans in the past. 

S 1% said ‘lack of grant aid’ has restricted development. 

2.7 Question 11 consisted of four parts. Respondents were asked what specifically they would like to see done to 

improve the city centre in each of the following areas: ‘the physical appearance’, ‘the marketing and promotion of 

the city centre’, ‘the management of traffic and finally, ‘the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the city 

centre’. 

2.7.1 64% commented on the physical appearance of Newry generating 46 comments in total. 

S 6% of respondents suggested more flowers, trees, seating and paving would make Newry appear more 

attractive while a further 1% said Newry city’s appearance is all the time improving with new floral areas 

S 5% said to improve Newry the streets and footpaths would need to be kept litter free. On the same issue 

a further 1% said fast food outlets and hotels must take responsibility for litter. 1% of respondents 

suggested employing a litter warden for the area 

S 5% suggested improving and developing the canal as an attraction 

S 2% said both Mary Street and Mill Street need improved and a further 1% commented that Newry would 

benefit from Monaghan Street being upgraded and Canal Street being cleaned up and rebuilt. Another 1% 

said Patrick Street is in need of immediate attention 

S 2% said the problem of derelict property needs to be addressed, and a further 1% said in particular boarded 

up housing sets a bad impression of Newry 

S 2% said Newry needs more bins in general 

S 2% said something must to be done to make Hill Street come alive after 6pm. 1% of respondents suggested 

more city centre housing would bring the centre alive 

S 2% of respondents said all property holders must take responsibility for keeping them in good condition 

S 2% suggested providing grant aid to property owners to improve appearance of their premises and a 

further 1% said some incentive should be given to traders to develop their property 

S 1% said graffiti should be removed and new street lighting is needed for Newry. A further 2% suggested 

improving street lighting in general in the city. Another 1% would like more energy efficient lighting 

S 1% of respondents said the appearance of second floor property should be improved and a further 1% 

suggested developing vacant upper floors under a tax incentive scheme 

S 1% said the footpaths should be improved and a further 1% suggested steam hosing footpaths to improve 

appearance 

S 1% said Newry needs good signage to affirm the city’s identity while 1% said Newry’s appearance would 

benefit from clear signage to main shopping streets 

S 1% suggested looking to other towns for ideas to improve Newry 

S 1% would like more office units situated on the main streets to improve appearance 

S 1% said visible empty workspaces give a bad impression of Newry 

S 1% said to improve the physical appearance of Newry there should be less graffiti, beggars and canvassers 

on the street 

S 1% of respondents would like more pedestrian areas 

S 1% said immediate attention should be given to the St Christopher’s Park area 

S 1% said traders should be given help to clean streets and buildings and to remove graffiti 

S 1% said Newry city needs a public space for events 

S 1% of respondents suggest developing the post office 

S 1% said the travellers site must be cleaned up in order to improve appearance of Newry 

S 1% would like closed shutters removed front shop fronts to help improve appearance 

S 1% said the physical appearance of the Dublin Road and the train station gives a bad impression to tourists 

S 1% said the rates are too high outside of the shopping centres 

S 1% highlighted that dog fouling is a major problem 

S 1% would like the old railings behind traffic lights removed and replaced with something more attractive 

S 1% commented that the appearance of Bridge Street has improved of late 

2.7.2 39% commented on the marketing and promotion of the city centre and this generated 29 comments in total: 

S 6% of respondents see a need for more T.V adverts regarding shopping and nightlife 



S 5% of respondents said businesses outside of the shopping centres need to be the focus of promotion. 

Another 2% commented that current marketing and promotion focuses solely on the two centres, while a 

further 2% believe visitors can not see beyond the two shopping centres 

S 3% call for more advertisements to attract people from further a field. A further 2% would like TV adverts 

in general and billboards placed in other towns in Northern Ireland. 

S 3% suggested producing an up to date fold out guide of Newry City Centre 

S 3% commented that there is always room for co-ordinated improvement 

S 2% of respondents would like specific attractions in the city e.g. street entertainment 

S 1% commented that Newry is currently being well promoted as a shopping town, a further 1% call for less 

emphasis on the shopping aspect 

S 1% suggest taking advantage of the high profile companies when devising a marketing plan 

S 1% of respondents said any marketing plan developed must convey a clear message 

S 1% suggest making the centre safer and police patrolled in order to encourage visitors, a further 1% 

suggested installing CCTV to make Newry a safer place 

S 1% said there should be musical events held at the weekends 

S 1% promote late night shopping with all traders co-operating 

S 1% would like all areas on the periphery such as Canal Street included when devising a marketing strategy 

for Newry 

S 1% would like Newry to have a Temple Bar type image 

S 1% said there should be less spending on media and more on litter clean up 

S 1% suggested loyalty schemes and co-ordinated promotions 

S 1% said the market is like ‘a white elephant’ 

S 1% said Newry’s nightlife, shopping and tourist attractions all need highlighted through marketing and 

promotion 

S 1% suggested holding monthly events from St Patrick’s Day to Christmas 

S 1% of respondents said the sign displaying ‘town’ should be changed to ‘city’ 

S 1% said residential accommodation should be promoted 

S 1% of respondents said the issue of Sunday trading should be reviewed 

2.7.3 67% of traders commented on the management of traffic in Newry. They generated 43 comments in total. 

S 9% of respondents said Newry needs free car parking other than at the shopping centres. A further 1% 

said more free parking is needed out of the city centre as well and increase the number of disabled spaces 

throughout. Another 1% said there should be disabled parking outside pharmacies 

S 5% of respondents said there is too much traffic congestion in the city centre 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

5% said a serious review of traffic management is needed. A further 1% said in particular Lower Hill Street, 

The Mall and Mary Street need immediate attention 

4% said lorries off-loading is a major problem, 2% of which suggest banning HGV’s in the centre 

3% suggest revising the sequencing of traffic lights at peak times. A further 2% mentioned Bridge Street 

traffic lights as particularly problematic 

2% suggest increased signage of the bypass to increase usage of it and therefore improve the flow of traffic 

in Newry 

2% said two hour waiting restrictions should be enforced 

2% said there should be a by-pass coming from Warrenpoint, a further 1% said the existing by-pass should 

be dual carriageway 

2% of respondents said traffic wardens need to be more relaxed and a further 1% suggested that Newry 

would benefit from more traffic wardens on the Mall 

1% suggested opening Marcus Square to one-way traffic to help improve flow of traffic another 1% made 

the same suggestion for both Bridge Street and Dominic Street. A further 1% said there are too many oneway 

systems while another 1% said there should be a one-way system throughout the city 

1% said there should be more traffic lights throughout Newry while a further 1% would like less traffic 

lights and more roundabouts 

1% commented on the problems caused by people double parking on Hill Street while a further 1% said 

double parking is a problem throughout Newry 

1% commented that parking spaces are being reduced by increasing pavements sizes 

1% said ‘ensure the proposed by-pass goes ahead’ 

1% commented on the traffic congestion around Buttercrane 

1% believe traffic management is good at present 

1% said the delays on the Dublin Road need rectified 

1% would like the zebra crossing reinstated at Trevor Hill 

1% said traffic congestion at Greenbank causes major problems 

1% said the city centre should be car free after business hours 

1% would like varying charges for parking depending on distance from shops 

1% said ‘keep up vigilant traffic control’ 

1% said there should be exclusive staff parking 

1% said traffic lights are needed at the bottom of the Camlough Road 

1% said the DOE should consult with traders about problems 

1% suggested building another multi-storey car park 

1% of respondents highlighted the traffic lights at the Quays as problem area 

1% said a ring road for Newry would ease congestion 



S 1% said the Five Ways roundabout is a hazard 

S 1% identified the problem of the public parking in loading areas 

S 1% of respondents some traffic management is needed for peak times i.e. morning times and on Fridays 

S 1% said there is a need to manage traffic on approach to William Street and Dublin Bridge 

2.7.4 38% commented on the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the city centre generating 26 comments 

collectively. 

B. Community Questionnaires 

1.0 Questionnaires were mailed to Community and Voluntary Groups in the five catchment areas as part of the 

Masterplans that will be fed into the forthcoming Banbridge/Newry & Mourne Area Plan 2015. 188 questionnaires 

were mailed to groups in Newry. 28 responses were recorded. 

2.0 Questions 1-4 retrieved contact details from each of the 28 Community and Voluntary Groups that returned 

questionnaires from Newry. 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

3% said Newry needs an annual event or outdoor concert 

2% said some improvements have been made regarding cultural or festival activities in Newry 

2% said concerts held in the city should be encouraged 

2% would welcome the return of the Canal festival 

2% said more festivals like those in Warrenpoint are needed for Newry 

2% said cultural or musical activities should be held in Newry 1% suggested the market as a suitable 

location 

1% said there should be outdoor market stalls during summer months 

1% said crime and vandalism does nothing to enhance culture 

1% said there is no city centre as such 

1% said Newry is in need of an auditorium for concerts 

1% suggested a summer music festival supporting young musicians 

1% would like events held on bank holidays and selected weekends 

1% would like street entertainment modelled on European cities 

1% of respondents suggested developing the youth council to have input into entertainment in the city of 

Newry 

1% said Newry must host some events given its city status 

1% suggested making use of facilities such as the Showground’s and Esler Park 

1% said events would not work as the council would not be unified in promoting them 

1% said funds should be reserved for worthwhile ventures 

1% said the Arts Centre is grossly under used at present 

1% suggest reviving the interest of Hill Street and Monaghan Street traders 

2.1 Question 5 asked respondents for a ‘Brief description of your group’s activities’. 

2.2 Question 6 presented respondents with a range of issues that may cause concern or may interest their group. They 

were asked to rate them depending on the level of concern their group has. 

No 

Response 

Major 

Concern 

Some 

Concern 

No 

Concern 

Parking in the city centre - 57 35 8 

Traffic congestion in the city centre - 4 60 36 

Personal safety in the city centre - 46 43 11 

Access for people with disabilities in the city 

4 57 32 7 

centre 

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the city 

- 71 29 - 

centre 

Impact of new shopping centres on local traders 7 14 43 36 

Appearance of the city centre 8 21 39 32 

Value for money in local shops 4 25 43 28 

Choice of shopping 11 7 32 50 

Quality of service in local businesses 7 25 32 36 

Other: (please specify) 88 4 4 4 

Those highlighted in bold indicate the number percentage of respondents who rated the issues as of ‘major concern’. 

A significant number of respondents rated the following issues of ‘major concern’: 

S 

S 

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the city centre 

Access for people with disabilities in the city centre 



S 

Parking in the city centre 

S 

4% said loading and off-loading should be restricted to outside trading hours 

Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 71% responded, 

some making more than one comment. 26 comments were generated in total: 

2.3 Respondents were asked to briefly mention what they would like to see done to address their concerns and whom 

they think is responsible. 45% responded with the following statements: 

Parking Issues: 

S 16% commented saying there is a lack of disabled parking in the town while a further 12% said parking 

facilities in general are poor 

S 4% said there is no parking facility for the market 

S 4% said disabled parking facilities should be reserved for disabled only 

S 4% highlighted parking and traffic congestion as two major problems in Newry 

S 4% said parking costs should be revised 

S 4% said there is not enough free parking for people working in the city centre 

Other Issues Raised: 

S 12% said it is difficult for disabled people to gain access to some shops and other buildings 

S 12% said vandalism, anti-social behaviour and personal safety are amongst the most important issues to be 

addressed 

S 4% said they do not feel safe in the city centre at night, a further 4% added they feel unsafe in the area at 

weekends while another 4% said they have no worries regarding personal safety 

S 4% said the traffic lights on Canal Street and Catherine Street cause major problems 

S 4% said joyriding is a problem in Newry 

S 4% said it is difficult for workers to get into work on time due to traffic 

S 4% said it is difficult to transport disabled people due to congestion 

S 4% said there is a need for a police foot patrol 

S 4% said there is too much development around the Quay’s area and not enough in Bridge Street 

S 4% said many roads are in a state of disrepair 

S 4% of respondents said Newry is in need of an effective traffic control system 

S 4% said multi-national shops are affecting local traders 

S 4% said traffic congestion is an issue for emergency services 

S 4% said there are too many obstructions on the walkways in the city centre 

S 4% said shop service is very impersonal 

S 4% said the appearance of the city should convey pride and confidence 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

8% said disabled parking problems should be addressed by the Department of Environment while a further 

4% said the Council should be responsible 

8% said traffic wardens and police are responsible for addressing traffic problems in Newry 

8% said disabled parking is the responsibility of the traffic wardens and a further 4% said there should be 

more parking designated for disabled people 

8% said the Road Service and Council are responsible for congestion issues that must be addressed 

4% said shop staff could be more helpful and friendly 

4% said action must be taken against vandals 

4% said shops should be made accessible to disabled people 

4% said there should be consultation with residents when planning extensions such as the Quays while a 

further 4% said traders should be involved in consultations 

4% said the law should enforce penalties on able bodied people parking in disabled spaces 

4% said someone should take action in developing more parking in Newry 

4% said the law should impose a congestion charge 

4% said there should be more neighbourhood watch schemes and community policing 

4% said the PSNI are responsible for the safety of the elderly 

4% said there should be no large vehicles in Newry during trading hours 

4% said shops should not be allowed to display sandwich boards on the footpaths 

2.4 The next section covered an extensive range of issues. 34 statements were put to respondents for them to indicate 

if they ‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’ or ‘strongly disagree’. The following results were recorded. 

Statement 

No 

respons 

e % 

Strongly 

Agree 

% 

Agree 

% 

Strongly 

disagree 

% 

Newry centre looks alive 21 7 50 21 

The city centre is attractive in the 

evenings and weekends 

People can buy everything they need in 

the city centre 

7 7 36 50 

11 29 47 14 



Shop fronts are generally attractive and 

window displays are inviting 

City centre shops generally offer friendly 

service 

City centre shops generally offer value for 

money 

Shop opening hours meet customer 

needs 

A loyalty scheme for independent traders 

would help build trade 

The city centre is developing a niche that 

attracts customers 

The city centre needs a special attraction 

to draw in visitors 

21 18 50 11 

4 14 64 18 

4 18 64 14 

4 43 50 4 

21 21 36 21 

25 18 46 11 

11 25 43 21 

The market is an attraction 11 14 46 29 

The centre has good places to eat and 

drink 

There are regular events which fill the 

streets with people 

- 29 46 25 

14 - 18 68 

There are good guides publicising the city 14 - 25 61 

It is easy for people to find their way into 

the city 

There is a strategy to attract car borne 

shoppers 

There are distinct long and short term 

car parks 

Parking restrictions and charges are 

clearly signed 

There are clear directions to attractions 

and public facilities 

People, especially women, feel safe using 

the routes from the car parks 

There are traffic calming measures to 

keep speeds down 

You can cross the main streets easily and 

safely 


disabilities on the streets 


disabilities in shops and public buildings 

There are visible cycle racks in key 

locations 

14 11 39 36 

18 11 39 32 

7 4 39 50 

4 7 36 54 

11 - 39 50 

11 4 32 54 

- 7 54 39 

4 7 50 39 

11 7 21 61 

7 7 29 57 

18 4 11 68 

Streets are kept clean of litter and graffiti - 7 54 36 

The streets are well lit 4 25 54 18 

The streets are in good repair 11 11 64 14 

Street furniture is in the right place and is 

well maintained 

Pavements are uncluttered by poles and 

signs 

Businesses look after the area outside 

their property 

The police are involved in initiatives to 

make the centre safer and to cut crime 

There is a clear vision for the 

development of the city centre 

Traders and public and community 

groups are co-operating well together to 

develop the city centre 

11 3 71 14 

18 11 36 36 

14 7 39 39 

29 18 14 39 

36 4 29 32 

32 4 36 29 

A significant number of respondents rated ‘strongly agree’ to various statements. They are as follows. 

S 

S 

S 

S 

43% strongly agree ‘shop opening hours meet customer needs’ 

29% strongly agree ‘the centre has good places to eat and drink’ 

25% strongly agree ‘the city centre needs a special attraction to draw in visitors’ 

25% strongly agree ‘the streets are well lit’ 

A significant number of respondents rated ‘strongly disagree’ to various statements. They are as follows. 

S 

S 

S 

S 

68% strongly disagree ‘there are visible cycle racks in key locations’ 

61% strongly disagree ‘there is adequate access for people with disabilities on the streets’ 

68% strongly disagree ‘there are regular events which fill the streets with people’ 

61% strongly disagree ‘there are good guides publicising the city’ 

Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 29% responded 

producing 22 comments: 

S 

S 

S 

4% said the public toilets do not meet the needs of the disabled while a further 4% said the toilet facilities in 

general are poor 

4% of respondents would like an increased number of seats in Newry 

4% said litter is a problem in the city centre 



S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

4% commented on the increased traffic congestion 

4% said there is no clear vision for the development of the city centre 

4% said Newry is suffering from the lack of forward planning 

4% said Newry city has some lovely features that should be preserved 

4% said penalties for dog fouling should be enforced 

4% said access from Warrenpoint in to the city is appalling 

4% said there is no forward planning regarding access to Buttercrane and The Quays 

4% said there are many traffic issues to be resolved in the city centre 

4% said there is too much crime in the city 

4% said all buildings should be maintained to avoid the sight of derelict buildings 

4% said there is a problem with speeding throughout Newry 

4% said disabled access is very poor in some buildings in Newry 

4% said the overall appearance of Newry should be improved 

4% said there should be a city centre car park 

4% said there should be more police foot patrols 

4% said enforce parking fines in restricted areas 

4% said the Masterplan must ensure that past mistakes do not reoccur 

4% said Newry should have wide open streets, better parking and well constructed buildings 

S 4% suggested improving footpaths and street furniture 

S 4% of respondents said Newry needs more litter bins 

S 4% said Newry needs wide footpaths and ramps for disabled 

S 4% suggested removing derelict buildings 

S 4% said Hill Street should be made more attractive 

S 4% said ‘remove graffiti’ 

S 4% said the Christmas lights and decorations could be better 

S 4% would like better street furniture and lighting 

S 4% said litter, graffiti and disused buildings should be dealt with 

S 4% said the canal banks should be improved 

S 4% said there should be better lighting and a higher standard of building control 

S 4% said the people in charge know what needs improving 

S 4% would like something unique in Newry to set it apart from other cities 

2.5.2 15% commented on the marketing and promotion of the city centre and generated 13 comments in total: 

2.5 The next question consisted of four parts. Respondents were asked what specifically they would like to see done 

to improve the city centre in each of the following areas: ‘the physical appearance’, ‘the marketing and promotion of 

the city centre’, ‘the management of traffic and finally, ‘the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the city 

centre’. Some respondents made more than one comment. 

2.5.1 26% commented on the physical appearance of Newry generating 19 comments in total: 

S 4% would like an agreement made to maintain frontage of buildings and green areas 

S 4% said old buildings should be restored 

S 4% said the physical appearance of Newry is good at present 

S 4% said more co-ordination should be encouraged 

S 4% would like flowerbeds and streets cleaned regularly 

S 4% would like more green areas 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

4% said Newry would need to be made safer after 6pm before marketing and promotion would be effective 

while a further 4% said vandalism and crime must be dealt with 

4% suggested expanding media exposure 

4% said Newry could do more for cultural dramatic art 

4% suggested a retail park in the Hill Street area 

4% said improve marketing and promotion in general 

4% suggested a greater emphasis should be placed on the heart of Newry city 

4% said every effort should be made to retain the general post office 

4% suggested tourist leaflets to be placed in shops 

4% said marketing and promotion of Newry is good at present 

4% said there must be more co-ordination between the business and community sector 

4% said they have not seen any evidence of promotion 

4% said the Hill Street area should be highlighted as a shopping gem 

S 

4% said there should be a multi-storey car park for the market 



2.5.3 68% of the Community and Voluntary Groups commented on the management of traffic in Newry. They generated 

21 comments in total: 

S 8% said traffic lights need more co-ordinated sequencing while a further 4% suggested revising the existing 

layout of traffic lights at the Quays shopping centre 

S 8% said traffic wardens should be more efficient while a further 4% said Newry needs a greater presence of 

traffic wardens 

S 8% said the traffic management system needs further assessment as it is a huge problem at present 

S 8% commented saying there is a lot of room for improvement 

S 4% said Warrenpoint traffic needs a new route into the city centre 

S 4% said traffic wardens should direct instead of penalising drivers 

S 4% said the main street beside the market should be kept clear at all times 

S 4% said drivers must show consideration for disabled drivers 

S 4% said there should be more on the spot fines for speeding 

S 4% said there should be no more inner-city development 

S 4% said deliveries should be made outside of trading hours 

S 4% suggested building a multi-storey car park along Monaghan Street 

S 4% said the existing by-pass is not effective 

S 4% suggesting banning large vehicles during trading hours 

S 4% commented on problems with traffic lights, parking and lighting 

S 4% said the Cornmarket area is in need of more parking 

S 4% said the main road into the city is a ‘death trap’ 

S 4% said Hill Street should be for pedestrians only 

S 4% said better public transport would solve a lot of problems 

2.5.4 52% commented on the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the city centre generating 14 comments 

collectively: 

S 12% said any such events would be welcomed 

S 12% would like events that are socially inclusive 

S 4% of respondents said give consideration to events during the day 

S 4% suggested involving the Irish language community in the city 

S 4% said there have been improvements of late 

S 4% said cultural festivals and drama groups seem to avoid Newry 

S 4% suggested four festivals representing the seasons of the year 

S 4% suggested a public performance area in Marcus Square and other areas 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

4% suggest holding open air concerts and other activities on the Mall 

4% of respondents want any current events to be better advertised 

4% would like development of community arts activity 

4% said there could be more done 

4% said older people will not attend evening events due to safety fears 

4% would like cultural festivals and summer programmes 

C. Flyers 

A flyer with the following 4 questions was left at various public places throughout the city and the public encouraged to 

complete it. By Friday 26 th September, there were 82 returns. 

What are the good things about Newry City 

Good things 

Variety of shops/shopping 44 

Newry in Bloom 9 

Eating out 9 

Friendly/helpful people/shopkeepers 6 

Great Buzz/Nite life 5 

Cinema 5 

Hotels 4 

Library 4 

Market 4 

Hill Street 3 

Free parking 3 

Town Hall – shows and exhibitions 2 

Original buildings/architecture 2 

Swimming pool 2 

Christmas lights 2 

East access to shopping/amenities 2 

Seating/paving 2 

Cathedral 1 

Bargain shops 1 

The Mall 1 

No smoking shopping centres 1 

Bus Station 1 

Coble stone streets 1 

Open spaces 1 

Tourist office 1 

Environmental improvements 1 

Responses 



How could we make those things even better 

Make it better 

Multi-storey car park/more parking 8 

Keep canal/river/pathways cleaner 5 

New swimming pool with slides 4 

Big venue for concerts etc 3 

Encourage people to shop in city/promote city more 3 

Keeping city clean 3 

City festival/annual event 2 

Encourage businesses to open in Newry 2 

Better signage e.g. shopping centres 2 

Winter plants 2 

More staff in shops 1 

More helpful/fully trained staff in shops 1 

Statue and fountain in Hill street 1 

Later night shopping 1 

More flowers 1 

More upmarket shops 1 

Extend commercial heart of the city 1 

Removing sandwich type signs off footpaths 1 

Do-up dilapidated buildings 1 

More regular bus routes to Warrenpoint/Camlough/Forkhill/Hilltown etc 1 

New ideas for Market which is dying on its feet 1 

More swans etc on canal 1 

A covered play area 1 

Old ship in habour 1 

Heritage centre/museum 1 

Another supermarket e.g. Tesco 1 

More seating 1 

Bowling alley 1 

Ice rink 1 

More quaint/specialist shops 1 

Rail link into city 1 

Another Post Office 1 

Pay Parking in £ and 1 

Responses 

What are the things you do not like about Newry City 

Don’t like 

Litter/chewing gum on pavements 19 

Traffic congestion 11 

Lack of parking 6 

Dog fouling 5 

Canal – bad smell 5 

Drunks 4 

Swimming pool/travelling to Lisburn for swimming 3 

Begging on Hill street 3 

Lack of facilities for young 2 

Crime 2 

Derelict buildings 2 

City is dull 2 

Traffic on Mall should be one way 2 

Sewage system 2 

Too many charity/bargain shops 2 

Not enough play parks 2 

City is not safe at night 2 

Vandalism e.g. phone boxes 2 

Dangerous roundabout top of Monaghan street 1 

Sandy street/Edward street needs facelift 1 

Uneven paving on Hill Street – difficult for wheelchairs and prams 1 

Chain stores 1 

Bus schedules 1 

Traffic wardens 1 

Lack of public toilets 1 

Lack of wheelchair access to restaurants 1 

Pay parking for workers of Newry 1 

Training station/schedules 1 

Pollution 1 

Flooding 1 

Graffiti 1 

Unfriendly shop assistants 1 

Religious divide 1 

Hidden Masts on buildings 1 

Responses 



How can we change those things 

Change things 

More bins/on-the-spot fines 7 

More parking/multi-storey 6 

Swimming pool with slides 3 

More policing/reduce crime/CCTV 3 

More flowers 3 

More seating 2 

Parking meters 2 

Park like Kilbroney/City centre park 2 

Encourage new businesses into existing vacant buildings 1 

Late bus services 1 

Better amenities 1 

Earlier opening hour of swimming pool 1 

Public manned toilets 1 

Change some playing fields to playgrounds/parks 1 

Better use of Mall for parking – pavements too wide 1 

More street entertainment 1 

More B&B’s 1 

Target Monaghan street for re-development 1 

Boat racing on Canal 1 

Cross-community events 1 

Open Credit Union on Mondays 1 

Facilities for young e.g. skateboarding, paintballing etc 1 

Redevelop Canal street 1 

More streets made one-way 1 

2 way traffic on Merchants Quay 1 

Bin collections at night 1 

Hill street should be pedestrian only 1 

Park & Ride scheme 1 

Responses 

What big idea do you have to make Newry City better 

Idea 

Leisure complex/swimming pool with slides 18 

Regular city/canal cleaning 10 

Ice rink 7 

Bowling alley 7 

Multi-storey car park/more parking 6 

Park like Kilbroney 4 

Re-develop Canal 4 

Plant more flowers/trees 4 

Do up shop fronts 3 

Attract more investment/promote Newry 3 

More traffic wardens 3 

More investment/development of historical buildings 3 

Development of Albert Basin for everyone 3 

More street entertainment 2 

City centre park 2 

Do up old buildings 2 

Reduce unemployment/offer scheme to keep city clean 2 

Caravan park with facilities 2 

Cultural Day/festival 2 

Reduction in bargain shops 2 

Dropped kerbs for wheelchairs/prams 2 

Late night bus services 1 

More policing 1 

Concert venue 1 

EXPLORIS type venue 1 

Expand park in Catherine street 1 

Modern/central railway station 1 

Young peoples sports programme 1 

Promote youth/teach social skills 1 

More industry 1 

Maze/gardens 1 

Skate boarding 1 

Miniature zoo 1 

Central pedestrian area with restaurants/bars/cafes 1 

Remove out of date posters/introduce fines 1 

Riverboat restaurant on Canal 1 

Better rural/crossborder public transport 1 

Creche facilities in shopping centres 1 

Build something useful at North Street flats 1 

New road to east congestion 1 

Prime shopping/activity centre at old clinic site to help market 1 

One way traffic on Mall 1 

Park and ride system 1 

CCTV 1 

Theme park 1 

Aquatic centre 1 

Develop Glen into a park 1 

Responses 



Newry should not just be for shopping – should be opened up and developed for tourists 1 

Litter wardens/fines 1 

City centre self-catering accommodation 1 

More disabled parking 1 

Museum 1 

More cross-border activities 1 

Promotions for local shoppers 1 

Safe city 1 

Free flowing traffic 1 

City bus tours 1 

Develop land between Carnbane/Sugar Island for walking/cycling/play area 1 

Make our city mast-free zone 1 

Glass roof over Hill Street 1 



APPENDIX 4 - Responses to Public Exhibition Questionnaire (December 2003) 

The questions and responses for Newry Strategic Development Framework are outlined below. 35 

questionnaires were returned in total. 

1 Vision- this is a statement as to how Newry might look in 2015. Do you agree with this statement 

Yes- 20 

No- 12 

No response- 3 

If not, what would your Vision be for central Newry 

- Why move the bus centre Public transport should be at the centre of the city 

- More car parking in Newry city centre. Leave the bus centre where it is in the city centre. Move taxis to The 

Mall not Margaret Square 

- The Mall is too congested make it one way in the direction from Town Hall to Mary Street 

- No change needed 

- With your proposed vision it still leaves Newry ‘spread out’. Sugar Island is too remote. The plan should be 

more compact and central. Decide where the core/heart is then build out 

- Hill Street, Marcus and Margaret Square are fine but shopping and entertainment centres are too spread out 

and fragmented. Need to concentrate these bearing in mind existing facilities 

3 Land-use Zoning Map- this is a map representing proposed land uses. It gives a general indication as to what 

uses may be acceptable in each zone and then protect that use from change. Do you agree with the proposed 

zones 

Yes- 15 

No- 6 


If not, what alternatives would be acceptable 

No response 

4 Artists Impression- the sketches give an idea as to how parts of central Newry might look in the future. 

Would you be happy to see the centre develop in this way 

Yes- 14 

No- 2 


Have you any strong objections to the proposals What changes would you make 

- Sugar Island District looks fragmented but at the same time it looks like two enclosures, it is not pleasing to 

look at and I think it would unpleasant to work in the area 

- What will the Basin look like I hope there will be plenty of public space and a walk to Victoria Lock 

- What is wrong with the bus centre that has just cost millions of pounds of our money to build! 

2 Opportunity sites- these are sites that could be put to better use and are shown as green shaded areas on 

the map. We have suggested alternative land-uses for each site, do you agree with our suggestions 

Yes- 18 

No- 9 


If not, what uses would you suggest if these sites were to be redeveloped 

- I would prefer to have more leisure centres and a bigger, cleaner swimming pool with a place for young 

people to gather 

- A taxi rank is needed in a better location 

- Number 8-make continuation of civic space/pair; Number 4-please no high rise buildings, 5 storey is too high; 

please keep shopping areas close together 

- Sugarhouse Quay and coal yard are too far from other retail/entertainment areas. Use these for 

business/residential and more central locations for entertainment 

5 Other comments 

- Proposals need revising to concentrate business/commercial separately from retail/entertainment areas that 

need to be closer together. Cafes, bars, restaurants need to be close to cinemas and theatres in a single 

central pedestrian area 

- I hope to see Newry developed in this way but do believe the proposed ‘Vision’ will not be developed until a 

much later time possibly 2025 

- Good luck with plans 

- This is a very good landscape 

- Redevelop the parts that need doing and leave the rest alone 

- Good plan 

- Get the plan into action 

- The Canal bank needs to be cleaned from Albert Basin to Victoria Locks for people to walk along 

- I think Newry should have a place where concerts could be held like Belfast and Dublin 



APPENDIX 5 – Traffic and Transport Report

Newry and Mourne District Council

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