New £3million Grade A Office Development Grant Scheme Launched to Drive Newry City Centre Regeneration

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched a £3 million Grade A Office Development Grant Scheme to stimulate private sector investment and support the ongoing regeneration of Newry City Centre.

Funded by the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Communities (DfC) as part of the Belfast Region City Deal(BRCD), the scheme is designed to incentivise developers and property owners to invest in Grade A office infrastructure, fostering economic development, job creation and urban regeneration in Newry City Centre.

The scheme will support both new build developments and the reuse of vacant or derelict buildings, aligning with the Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the creation of modern, energy-efficient workspaces.

The Grade A Office Development Grant Scheme also forms a key component of the Council’s wider regeneration ambitions and economic development strategy for the area. It aims to act as a catalyst for high-quality development, unlock commercial potential, create employment, and help position Newry as a premier location along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said, “I welcome the launch of the new Grade A Office Development Grant Scheme, which presents a significant opportunity to support economic growth in Newry. By supporting the creation of premium office space, we can attract forward-thinking companies to the city, enhance employment prospects and foster sustainable urban regeneration.”

Speaking at today’s launch event to business leaders and potential investors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said, “This investment represents a major step forward in delivering on our vision for Newry City Centre. It sends a clear signal to the market that Newry is open for business and ready to welcome innovative, ambitious enterprises. We believe this scheme will not only bring new commercial developments to life but will also support job creation, improve local infrastructure and contribute to the sustained prosperity of Newry, Mourne and Down.”

Interested developers and businesses are encouraged to engage early. Council officers will host a series of information sessions and one-to-one consultations over the coming month to support potential applicants in understanding the scheme's requirements, including planning, sustainability, and business case expectations.

Over the coming weeks, the Council will be hosting two drop-in sessions and an online workshop to provide further details on the application process. The drop-in information sessions will take place on Tuesday 23 September from 10am to 12noon in Downpatrick Civic Centre and 2pm to 4pm in Newry Leisure Centre. Interested parties can also join an online session on Tuesday 30 September from 1pm to 2pm. 

Further details on the scheme, including the criteria, applicant guidance notes and the information sessions are available on the Council’s website: www.newrymournedown.org/grade-a-office-development-grant-scheme-for-newry-city