Newry City Sinn Féin Councillor Charlie Casey has said that his party is committed to the regeneration of Newry city.
He explained that projects envisaged such as the new Arts and Theatre complex, the new Civic Centre and 15 acre City Park are key to this, adding: “I and my Sinn Féin colleagues are fully committed to delivering our City Centre Park, Civic Centre and Arts and Theatre complex.
“Not one or the other, but them all.
“These projects will make a huge difference to the economic, health, educational and environmental well-being of the city and surrounding area.
“They have already secured investment and Sinn Féin will work tirelessly to ensure they are delivered.”
“The Newry Councillor said that he was mindful of the challenges,
“We face the twin challenges of recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainties of Brexit.
“On top of this lies the legacy of over a decade of Tory imposed austerity which has choked our public services and communities of much needed support.
“The only way to recover from these difficulties is for Newry to grow.
“Our response must be one of investment – in people, communities, infrastructure, public services, and local business. Ordinary workers and families in Newry must feel the benefit of these initiatives.”
Cllr Charlie Casey added: “Newry is the only city in our District and our communities are entitled to a Civic Centre and City Park, both of which should be top-of-the-range.
“The Monaghan Row site is not fit for purpose – it’s old and inefficient. If the Council is to deliver a high standard of public services for communities across Newry Mourne and Down, we need a new Civic Centre.
“On top of that, having the Civic Centre within the city will ensure that several hundred workers remain employed within our city, helping our local businesses and employers – the beating heart of our local economy.
“It’s no secret that Daisy Hill and the Southern Trust are looking to expand and are interested in the Monaghan Row site. This means that the development of a new Civic Centre could help secure the growth and future of Daisy Hill Hospital.
“Our new Civic Centre has the potential to create a regional hub, attracting even more workers to the city.
“The Civic Centre is so much more that a ‘new home for the Council’ – it’s a massive investment in our city centre, that has the potential to be a vibrant hub for workers and the community, and a massive boost to our local economy.
“We must grab this opportunity with the City Deal to rebuild, redevelop and regenerate our city centre”.
Commenting on the need for a 15-acre City Centre Park, the Newry Sinn Féin Councillor said: “Sinn Féin’s position on the Park has been consistent. Our vision for the future of Newry has, at its centre, the construction of a top-of-the -range 15-acre city centre park at the Albert Basin site.
“This Park, once completed, will be a shared space for all. It will make our area more attractive to live in, to work in and to invest in.
“The park will be a genuine community resource for our people. The people of Newry deserve a city centre park – and Sinn Féin are committed to delivering this”.
