Newry and Mourne District Council

Newry City Centre Strategic Development Framework March 2004
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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
Ferguson McIlveen in association with Mentor and Scott Wilson Page No. 5