Councillor Willie Clarke Welcomes Council Opportunity To Purchase Newcastle Harbour Building

A Newcastle harbour building moving from NI Water to Down Council.  [/caption]

Down District Councillor Willie Clarke (Sinn Féin) has welcomed NI Water’s decision to declare the land and generator house at Newcastle Harbour surplus to requirements and their agreement to allow the Council to purchase the building.

Cllr Clarke said: “I have been lobbying for the procurement of this building for the Newcastle harbour community since 2010.  I am pleased that we are now in a position to purchase this asset. This purchase will represent good value for the Council and will be the first step in a process of community consultation in regards what potential the building has for the harbour community and harbour users.

“In the last regeneration plan for the area, a water sports forum was to be established. Such a forum could be based in the building, providing showers, toilets and changing facilities for water based recreation.”

Cllr. Clarke added: ” I would like to thank Council officer Alison Robb, for her efforts to bring this issue to a successful conclusion. The item will be tabled for decision at the next Policy and Resources meeting 1 December where I am confident all parties will endorse the recommendation to purchase the building. It has been valued by Land and Property Services at a very competitive price. The building will be of huge strategic importance for the development of the harbour community and offers an excellent opportunity for the new Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the harbour community to develop a partnership to create a community hub for the area.”