Asda store is set to open in early 2027

Asda store is set to open in early 2027

15 October 2025

A NEW Asda store and three adjoining retail units in Downpatrick are expected to open in early 2027.

Work is underway to demolish the current store at the Ballydugan Road which sustained catastrophic damage during one of the worst floods in living memory almost two years ago.

Three adjoining retail units are also to be razed to the ground and replaced as part of a £22m scheme which is the biggest ever retail investment in Downpatrick.

The redevelopment of the site is expected to create an additional 40 jobs.

News of the opening comes as formal planning approval for a new Gregg’s store at the Grove shopping centre in the town will be rubber-stamped by Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Planning Committee this morning.

One year after planning approval for the ultra-modern new Asda store, petrol station and retail outlets was secured, demolition work has begun.

The former Peacocks store was the last to have its stock removed last week with the large demolition site 

now sealed off so the buildings which sustained major flood damage almost two years ago can be razed to the ground.

The existing Asda store, which closed due to major structural issues as a result of the November 2023 flood, will be replaced with an ultra-modern outlet which will be almost 680 square metres bigger.

The new store will be built slightly south east east of the current building with the footprint covering land currently occupied by the Harry Corry, Peacocks and Poundstretcher stores and the car park in front of them. 

This week, a spokesperson for Celpark Ltd – part of the family owned and internationally renowned Comer Group responsible for some of the most innovative builds in recent years across major European cities – said preparation for demolition of the affected stores is at an advanced stage. 

“There are a number of adjacent businesses which are continuing to trade throughout this process and we are working with them to make this as smooth as possible,” he said.

The spokesperson added: “Ensuring customers get the best possible access to retail outlets while this work is ongoing, remains our priority.”

It’s understood the construction method on the new stores will be similar to that used to build the Halfords, Argos, Costa and New Look stores at the retail park which were not been affected by flooding or structural issues in the wake of the 2023 flood which also left a huge swathe of the town centre under water.

The new non-food retail stores will be built adjacent to the existing New Look store, while the former petrol station which has already been bulldozed, will be redeveloped with existing underground fuel tanks replaced.

The shop at the new garage will be twice the size of the building it is replacing.

Current car parking arrangements at the site are being reconfigured and, when complete, there will be 465 spaces that will include EV charging points. 

The Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group and local politicians view the £22m investment

as a “significant project” which will bring much needed investment and footfall to the town.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman, Philip Campbell, said the redeveloped Asda store and new retail outlets will help increase town centre footfall, boosting the town’s economy and, significantly, create new jobs.

Cllr Campbell said confirmation that demolition work is underway and the enlarged Asda store will open in early 2027 is a good news story for the town.

Asda is currently trading from a temporary store at the Downpatrick retail park and shoppers will have to continue using it for over another year.

The former store, which was built over two decades ago, was condemned by structural engineers following a forensic examination after its foundation was engulfed by flood water.

A planning report submitted as part of the bid to secure approval for the temporary store revealed structural engineers discovered 31 defects in the wake of the 2023 flood.

Defects uncovered during the detailed examination of the building — which Asda leases — included an issue with the foundation floor which included what is believed to be a large sink hole.

Large cracks also appeared in walls with damage reported to interior ceilings and floors.