Competition: Newry Civic Centre

The integrated consultant team chosen for the £1.5 million contract will draw up plans for a mixed-use scheme, featuring a council headquarters, theatre, conference facilities, a hotel and offices.

The project, planned to complete in 2022, will upgrade the historic city’s existing civic hub based inside the former town hall overlooking the river Clanrye, and bring together existing municipal offices currently spread across three separate sites. Coleraine-based GM Design Associated has already completed a concept study for the project.

In its brief, the council says: ‘The core intent of the programme is to maximise the council’s investment to lever and facilitate private-sector investment, by identifying and articulating demand, and using the council’s initial investment and other land assets to stimulate wider regeneration within the city core.’

‘In addition to [a] civic centre facility originally proposed, and in response to the further studies undertaken, the project scope developed to a programme of works which include provision of the original civic hub, an enhanced theatre/ conferencing centre, and potential further investments related to a new hotel and/ or additional office accommodation.

Newry is a historic market town, garrison and port, with a population of around 26,000 people. It was granted city status 16 years ago. It is home to a civic hub featuring council offices and a small arts centre.

The latest project aims to upgrade both the council offices and the arts centre to create a landmark new municipal complex and exhibition space intended to boost tourism and promote further private sector investment in the area.

A conference facility and hotel capable of hosting more than 50 guests will also be constructed along with additional offices. The scheme will integrate Newry’s waterfront town hall building while also redeveloping a neighbouring quay formerly used for unloading sugar.

The deadline for applications is midday, 19 October.

How to apply

View the contract notice for more information

Contact details

Newry Mourne and Down District Council
Greenbank Industrial Estate
Newry
BT34 2QU

Tel: +44 2830313233
Email: seamus.mcgeoghegan@nmandd.org
Fax: +44 2830313288