Neighbourhood Renewal

The Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be a safer place to live, where people respect and have pride in their neighbourhood, where education plays a central role in the development of young people, where residents have access to the best public services, where healthy lifestyles are fostered and promoted and where people develop and take full advantage of economic activity.

About the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership

The Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership was set up in February 2005 as an advisory group to the Department for Communities (DfC).

The Partnership brings together people from different sectors — statutory, community, voluntary, and business — to deliver the Department’s People and Place Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy in Newry.

Each of the nine social housing areas in the Neighbourhood Renewal boundary has an active community association. All are represented on the Partnership.

Organisations Involved

Community Associations

• Carnagat Area CA
• Drumalane/Quayside Close CA
• Threeways CA
• Meadow & Armagh Road CA
• Greater Linenhall CA
• Barcroft CA
• Ballybot CA
• Derrybeg CA
• Martins Lane CA

Statutory Organisations

• Department for Communities (DfC)
• Newry Mourne  & Down District Council (NM&DDC)
• Education Authority NI (EANI)
• Southern Area Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT)
• Southern Regional College (SRC)
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE)

Buisness

• Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency (NMEA)

Voluntary Sector

• Confederation of Community Groups (CCG)

What is Neighbourhood Renewal?

Neighbourhood Renewal aims to close the gap between people living in the most deprived areas and the rest of society.

It takes a long-term approach (10–15 years) to improving life in local communities through joined-up action from local organisations and government bodies.

The Four Goals of Neighbourhood Renewal

1. Community Renewal – Build strong, confident communities that work together to improve their local area.
2. Economic Renewal – Create more jobs and help local people benefit from economic growth.
3. Social Renewal – Improve public services and make communities safer and more connected.
4. Physical Renewal – Create clean, safe, and sustainable neighbourhoods.

This approach encourages government departments and agencies to work together, share resources, and make sure funding is used in a joined-up and effective way. It also builds partnerships between service providers and local residents.

Newry Today

Newry is home to around 35,000 people and has seen major regeneration in recent years. Unemployment has dropped, and more local businesses have been created than in any other part of Northern Ireland.

Newry is now a vibrant and busy city, attracting visitors from across Ireland. It is especially popular for shopping, with a strong retail sector.

However, around one-third of residents (11,000 people) still experience deprivation. Neighbourhood Renewal aims to support these communities through a positive, modern, and inclusive approach.

Impact of Neighbourhood Renewal

• Impact of Neighbourhood Renewal in Newry.

• Impact of Neighbourhood Renewal in Downpatrick.