‘Active work’ on Newcastle hotel

‘Active work’ on Newcastle hotel

21 November 2018

WORK is continuing to develop a new town centre hotel in Newcastle.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has confirmed this week that it has held what are being described as “general discussions” with a number of potential hotel developers with the current Annesley Buildings and adjoining Newcastle Centre viewed as a prime location.

However, the redevelopment of the Central Promenade site cannot take place until the local authority comes up with a plan to develop new leisure provision in the resort.

A feasibility study on the redevelopment of the town centre site has already been completed, with council officials confirming that a two or three-storey extension extension would be acceptable for this location which commands spectacular views of the Mournes and Dundrum Bay.

A new town centre hotel development is also viewed as a key ingredient in the plan to deliver highly ambitious proposals aimed at shaping future tourist provision in Newcastle which include world class attractions featuring a gondola ride into the heart of the Mournes and a visitor centre at the site of the old quarry at Thomas’ Mountain. 

Council officials are reported to be “actively working” to help secure new hotel investment for the resort and to build on the interest which has been shown in such a development.

Consultants overseeing the Mournes Gateway tourism project have also confirmed they are acutely aware of the need for new hotel development to meet the needs of increasing numbers of visitors.

The local authority has placed tourism at the top of its agenda in tandem with maximising the area’s many assets and recognises that to achieve this, it is important there is adequate hotel accommodation across the district, not just in Newcastle.

Last year, work started on a business case aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs to firm up proposals for new hotel developments in Newcastle and Downpatrick, with the exercise including a survey to identify prime sites for potential new hotel developments.

The council says it is keen to work with the private sector to help land new multi-million pound developments and a number of providers have already expressed a tentative interest in new hotels in Newcastle, Downpatrick and Newry.

Cllr Dermot Curran says there is a need for more hotels across the district to complement existing provision and meet the expected increase in visitors numbers in the years ahead.

“We are fortunate to be blessed with high calibre hotel accommodation in our main towns but we need more of this provision. I hope new hotel investment, which would provide the local economy with a significant boost, can be realised,” he added.

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokesman confirmed that the council undertook a study to review hotel provision across the district and identified additional need specifically within the Newcastle area.  

“The council has carried out an initial feasibility study on the Newcastle Centre site which identified that a hotel could be built on the site. General discussions have subsequently taken place with a number of potential developers about hotel provision in the Newcastle area,’’ he continued.

“The council is also currently working with a consultant on the feasibility study for leisure provision in the Newcastle area and it is anticipated that a report will be presented to the Active and Healthy Communities Committee in the coming months.”