The Newry, Mourne and Down District is an ambitious and entrepreneurial region, with a strategic cross border location that ensures a regional and international focus. Despite major advances in recent years, high levels of deprivation and economic inactivity demonstrate that the local economy in Newry has been underperforming in comparison to the rest of NI. This investment in Newry city centre will support the re-imagination of the city centre by delivering a civic and regional hub, theatre and conferencing facilities, improvements to the public realm and investment in Grade A office provision.
This project will put in place the economic infrastructure to enable a competitive economy. It aims to revitalise the area and improve the experience of residents and visitors, to increase footfall and, by attracting private sector investment, to reduce levels of retail and residential vacancy. The project will unlock the potential of the area and support growth of the local economy. As well as regenerating the city centre, the investment will create employment opportunities, increase visitor numbers, stimulate the evening economy, improve civic pride and help stimulate further private sector investment. Rural areas will also be able to benefit from the wider range of employment opportunities that increased investment in the city will bring, contributing to the inclusive growth ambition of the City Deal.
