Top retail stores eye key sites to kick-start recovery

Top retail stores eye key sites to kick-start recovery

22 May 2024

LEADING High Street retailers are lining up to invest in Downpatrick.

Six months after the town’s business community was left on its knees when a devastating flood decimated a number 

of premises, it has been revealed that some of the biggest names in retail are keen to play a key role in Downpatrick’s economic regeneration.

Brands including M&S and Home Bargains – who have a long standing interest in the town – remain keen to invest, while a number of existing High Street brands are eager to expand their current premises or potentially relocate.

Ambitious plans have been drawn up to redevelop the former Irish Street police station site and a number of adjacent empty buildings, but interest from some of retail’s biggest hitters is not just focused on this particular site.

Previously, a former social services building in Market Street, the adjoining bus station and library were earmarked as a prime development opportunity and if the current level of interest is followed through, Downpatrick town centre could be transformed.

The former Northern Bank base is also viewed as a prime retail development opportunity.

The Recorder understands that Downpatrick is one of a number of sites across the province where  M&S is interested in opening a food outlet. Previously, the company expressed interest in the Irish Street site.

In addition, a leading Irish sportswear firm is looking for premises, while there is potential interest from a global fast food chain and a pet store which currently has outlets in Belfast, Newry and Lisburn.

The arrival of High Street names is expected create new jobs, increase footfall and provide a boost for local traders who have been the backbone of the town’s economy for generations. New investment could also encourage other investors to come forward.

Confirmation of the level of interest from some of the biggest names in retail is a welcome boost for traders still struggling following last November’s catastrophic flooding.

And in another boost this week, owners of the town’s Asda store which closed last November after it sustained catastrophic flood damage say there is “overwhelming support” for its £22m replacement.

The original building was condemned by structural engineers after it was engulfed by flood water, with three adjoining stores closed after they suffered major structural damage.

All the buildings are due to be bulldozed and replaced as part of the multi-million pound investment scheme which will create up to 40 new jobs. In addition to an enlarged Asda store and three new retail units, a petrol station and shop form part of the Downe Retail Park investment.

It’s hoped the new store will open in early January 2026.

Meanwhile, some business owners in Downpatrick are concerned that they have yet to receive money under a special Stormont flood support scheme, while some have received formal letters offering £100,000.

Across Downpatrick and Newry, around 100 businesses impacted by last year’s devastating flood are still waiting on payments from the compensation scheme.

The Department for the Economy has confirmed it has approved compensation claims for 20 businesses to date with payments expected to be issued this week. A further 83 applications have been sent to the loss assessor for detailed assessment.

In the immediate aftermath of the floods, eligible businesses could initially apply for rates relief and grants of up to £7,500, with the so-called Enhanced Flood Support Scheme launched in February offering up to £100,000 per business.

The scheme is led by the Department for the Economy in association with Newry, Mourne and Down Council, with the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group working alongside the Department for Communities, Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on revitalising the town.

On Friday afternoon of next week, the Down Leisure Centre is the venue for an event when an update on the Irish Street masterplan will be held, with invitations extended to key stakeholders who have an interest in the redevelopment of the site.

The so-called Living High Streets initiative offers exciting opportunities for the county town, with the potential to secure hundreds of thousands of pounds in funding.

Work is underway to progress a new skate park and pump track at Dunleath Park, environmental improvement enhancements in Lynn Doyle and Church Street and further enhancing Irish Street.

South Down MLA Cathy Mason is urging Newry, Mourne and Down Council to work at pace to roll out flood support finances to all affected businesses.

She met this week with Stormont economy minister Deirdre Hargey to discuss the flood relief payment for impacted Downpatrick businesses.

“The Minister has assured me that money has already been made available to the counciland many payments will be made this week,” she said.

“We need the council to work at pace to process applications to ensure financial help urgently reaches these affected businesses.”

Downpatrick councillor, Oonagh Hanlon, has welcomed efforts by Ms Hargey to ensure traders have access to proper funding and support. 

“We now need the local council delivering these payments to ensure businesses urgently receive the financial help they need,” she added.