Dismay As £50m Newry Retail Complex Approved

Dismay As £50m Newry Retail Complex Approved

Retailers and the business community in Newry have expressed their dismay after DOE approvedplanning for an out of town retail development at Carnbane Way.

The application by The Hill Partnership includes a mix of 70 light industrial/business units, 14 residential units, retail food store, a coffee shop and associated landscaping works.

Minister Mark H. Durkan said: “This will be an economic boost for the area and will bring many jobs. It will also regenerate and enhance part of the Newry Canal that runs through the site, making it more accessible to the public.

He added: “After careful consideration I am satisfied that the strength of the city centre and the strong retail offering available, means that it can compete with this proposal and can continue to provide a wide range of shopping facilities for the people of Newry and the wider rural area.”

Neil Armstrong, spokesman for the Hill Partnership, said the ‘shovel-ready’ £47 million project will be underway by late 2014.

He added: “The Hill Partnership has been working closely with planners, the local Council and neighbours and residents in the area to ensure that this major investment has a positive impact on the city of Newry and its people. The social clauses demonstrate our commitment to creating local jobs for local people.”

Despite granting approval, DOE revealed that the plans received 85 objections along with two petitions of objection; one containing 688 signatures and the other 76 objections in relation to the application. Only 20 letters of support were received.

Newry Chamber and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) have expressed dismay at the decision by Minister Durkan.

Deborah Loughran, president of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade said: “The Newry business community works extremely hard to provide an attractive and convenient retail offering in the heart of Newry city centre.

“The local retail environment has changed dramatically over recent years. Global trading conditions and changing consumer habits have created a challenging environment for our retailers resulting in vacant units scattered throughout the city. Imposing this outrageous decision on the Newry business community has the potential to decimate our city centre.”

‘This decision and indeed the Minister’s assertion that he is ‘confident the town centre can compete’ completely contravenes his own Planning Policy Statement on Town Centre First, dated as recently as February 2014.”

NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts continued: “We are bitterly disappointed with this decision by Minister Durkan which will result in jobs and businesses being lost in Newry city centre. This decision is in complete contradiction to his own department’s draft policy of Town Centre First.

“Minister Durkan has ignored the views of Newry city centre traders and instead listened to the views of developers who have no interest in the city centre.”

He added: “Both our organisations are demanding an urgent meeting with the Minister.”