Newry and Mourne District Council

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