Procurement Launched for Newry City Park as Community Consultation Completes

The delivery of Newry City Park has taken a major step forward, with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council launching the procurement process to select a contractor for construction.

This stage of this procurement process will identify suitable suppliers and will conclude with invitations to tender for the project.

Prior to this a community consultation has been helping shape final designs for Newry City Park.

As part of an extensive engagement process, the Council, alongside PlayBoard NI sought input from local schools, disability groups and various sports groups to inform the park’s final design.

Five local post-primary schools and six local primary schools were among those taking part in the recent process. For the post-primary school engagement, 98 pupils participated from St Mary’s High School, St Joseph’s High School, Abbey Grammar School, Our Lady’s Grammar School, and Sacred Heart Grammar School. In addition, 160 pupils from six local primary schools took part, representing St Patrick’s The Meadow, Windsor Hill Primary School, St Joseph’s Meigh, St Moninna’s, Bunscoil an Iúir, and Rathore School.

The planning process is expected to conclude in the coming months, which will be followed by the appointment of a successful contractor and works getting underway later this year.

Newry City Park is set to become a major destination for play, sport, leisure and outdoor recreation, supported by £16.2 million in Complimentary Funding being administered through the Department for Communities. The project will transform the Albert Basin into a vibrant, inclusive green space where people can relax, enjoy nature and take part in community events.

The design will reflect Newry’s heritage while incorporating modern, sustainable features. Planned elements include links to the Carlingford Lough Greenway, a sensory garden, premium play park, water sports zone, urban sports area and flexible event spaces, all supporting health, wellbeing and community connection.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said, "I welcome this significant progress in the Newry City Park project. This major development will bring significant economic, health, and wellbeing benefits to residents and visitors alike. My department remains committed to working closely with the Council to support its successful delivery.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell said, “I welcome the procurement process getting underway, which is an important marker for any major construction project.

“Thank you also to everyone who took part so enthusiastically in the community engagement process. It’s part of our commitment to ensuring Newry City Park is an inclusive, welcoming space that responds to community needs.”

Co-Chairs of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board Councillors Doire Finn and Declan Murphy also welcomed the latest developments.

Cllr Finn said, “I welcome the recent progress made on the Newry City Park project. This is a much-anticipated investment in our community's future, delivering enhanced green space, recreational facilities, and a legacy for generations to come.”

Cllr Murphy said, “Newry City Park will greatly enhance the city’s appeal as a place to live, work, invest in and visit. With the procurement process underway we now look forward to the appointment of the successful contractor.”