Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Partners with St Mark’s High School to Develop New Multi-Sports Hub in Warrenpoint

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced a new partnership with St Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint, to develop a new multi-sports hub on the school campus, helping to meet the growing demand for high-quality sports facilities across the district.

The project aligns with the Council’s Sports Facility Strategy Review (2022), which identified the need to increase provision of multi-sports hubs across Council’s seven District Electoral Areas (DEAs). This development would deliver the first such hub within the Crotlieve area, addressing a key strategic priority outlined in the review.

St Mark’s High School has been identified as an ideal location for the hub due to its position within the DEA, its strong sporting culture and its ability to accommodate shared-use facilities. The facility will meet the needs of the wider sporting community while also enhancing sports provision for pupils at the school.

The proposed development will include the upgrade of the existing pitch to a full 3G all-weather surface, and the construction of new external changing facilities, designed to support both school and community use.

The hub will provide year-round training and playing capability whilst helping to meet increasing demand from local Gaelic, soccer and rugby clubs.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by senior school leadership, Board of Governors and Council management, confirming a commitment to work together to progress the project which will involve the design, submission of planning permission, securing of funding and the delivery of the project.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Phillip Campbell, welcomed the initiative. “I am delighted to see this project progress and to see a strong partnership approach between the Council and St Mark’s High School,” he said. “This development is a clear example of the Sports Facility Strategy 2022 being translated into real, tangible outcomes on the ground. The improved and increased provision at this site will bring long-term benefits to schools, clubs and residents across the Warrenpoint area, helping to grow participation, improve performance and support healthier, more active communities.”

Speaking about the project, Aidan McGivern, Principal of St Mark’s High School, said, “This is a hugely positive development for St Mark’s High School and our entire school community. The creation of a multi-sports hub on our site would greatly enhance the quality and range of sporting education and opportunities available to our students, supporting their physical health, wellbeing and personal development. Importantly, it will also strengthen our connection with local sports clubs and allow our facilities to play a greater role in supporting community participation in sport.”

The project, which is currently at design stage represents a significant investment in local sporting infrastructure and is a key step in delivering the Council’s long-term vision for accessible, high-quality sports facilities across the district.