Newry Public Realm Scheme Ready To Begin

Public Realm Scheme Works to Commence at Lower Hill Street, Newry.

Public Realm Scheme Works to Commence at Lower Hill Street, Newry.

Following completion of the NIE/Openreach Network Upgrade in early 2020, the long awaited Public Realm scheme is now scheduled to commence in the city centre in late May 2020.

A spokesperson for Newry Mourne and Down District Council said: “The Department for Communities (DfC) is providing over £1.6m with a further £177,000 coming from Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

A public realm scheme is ready to begin in Newry.

“The public realm scheme which will be managed by the Council will be a high quality design using natural materials including bespoke details which will reflect the town’s history and conservation status. Contractors Northstone NI, will be on-site delivering the scheme over the next 10 months.

“The extent of works will be concentrated on Lower Hill Street/John Mitchell Place and the associated side streets of O’Hagan Street, Mill Street, Ballybot Bridge and St Colman’s Park.

“The proposed works will comprise the installation of new paving and kerbing on the footways. New decorative street lighting, street furniture, tree pruning and the under-grounding of overhead services are also proposed as part of the scheme.

“Given the on-going Covid-19 restrictions, the contractor has revised their plans in light of new government regulations.  These complying measures have been assessedby the Council and its consultants AECOM to enable the contractor to put the appropriate measures in place to enable commencement of the works.  

“Considering the extent of planned works and activity, regular liaison will be held with local elected councillors, statutory agencies and local trader representatives. The contractor in fulfilling their Public Liaison role will be in touch with effected traders throughout the duration of the scheme to keep them informed and take on board key delivery times and access requirements

The spokesperson added: “The contractor has already made efforts to contact effected trader/property owners, but if you have not yet received any correspondence, please contact Northstone NI via the following email address:

newrypublicrealm@northstone-ni.com