Newry, Mourne and Down civic centre and theatre plans set for approval despite objections
Newry's new civic centre and theatre are listed to be approved at the council's upcoming planning meeting despite thousands of public objections.
Over £40m worth of investment could be signed off for the two major developments on October 2, with council officers recommending approvals.
However, both applications have faced public controversy amid the council remaining silent on both matters.
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A spokesperson said: "This media enquiry relates to a project currently being considered under Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s live planning application process. The council has therefore no further comment to make on matters due to be addressed in the formal planning process.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's (NMDDC) application for its estimated £17m HQ on a carpark behind the city's Cathedral has sparked objections from the local parish.
A petition with more than 2,500 objections was recently presented to the local authority with letters from Catholic parishioners, showing their opposition for the construction of the civic centre on a carpark used by Mass-goers.
NMDDC has previously referred to a parking survey of the Abbey Way site and has amended its HQ plans to provide 138 car park spaces at the site, which it says is above the maximum occupancy rates of mass-goers recorded. According to the council website, the authority expects construction on the civic centre to begin this year.
Just 500yards away, another council application for an estimated £23m four storey theatre and conference centre and extension to the town hall is also to be decided at the same planning committee. The new theatre will seat over 250 people and will be linked to Newry Town Hall by a glass atrium.
The arts development has also seen objections over the council's plan to demolish the existing Sean Hollywood Arts Centre at Bank Parade unlisted building to make way for the new development. A tied in application for listed building consent in relation to Newry Town Hall is also up for approval.
An updated consultation from the Department for Communities' Historic Environment Division has stated: "Previous concerns on the proposed four storey theatre and conference centre have been addressed and conditions are requested to address outstanding information on the Town Hall and atrium."
The planning committee reports for the meeting have not yet been released to confirm who will have speaking rights for and against either matter.
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