Exciting plan to boost town

Exciting plan to boost town

23 September 2020

A MAJOR new marketing campaign has been launched to promote Downpatrick town centre’s regeneration potential.

Featuring an online video presentation and extensive advertising, alongside social media and digital campaigns, the new initiative has the backing of Newry, Mourne and Down Council and Stormont’s Department for Communities.

The town’s business community has also weighed in with its support for the new ‘Shaping our Downpatrick Future’ campaign.

At the heart of the new regeneration strategy is the redevelopment of the former police station in Irish Street, a number of empty adjacent buildings and a near two acre site stretching back towards St Patrick’s Avenue.

A significant number of property developers have already expressed an interest in redeveloping the large site which also includes the Irish Street car park, with hopes that a preferred bidder could be appointed to oversee the ambitious scheme within weeks to help bolster the town’s economic recovery.

Described as a “strategic and prominent location in the heart of Downpatrick”, senior council officials, politicians and members of the business community are excited at the site’s development potential and are confident that its redevelopment can act as a catalyst for additional investment in the town centre, helping support existing businesses.

The new marketing campaign – featuring local business owners and well-known attractions in the area – went live this week with the focus on promoting the county town’s regeneration potential.

It also aims to raise awareness of the potential of regeneration initiatives to shape the town’s future to “support the transformation of spaces, invest in talent and drive forward local opportunities”.

Local businesses, including Baby Belle Boutique, Denvir’s Coaching Inn, Finnebrogue Woods, Lowden Guitars, Oakley Fayre, Plus 2 Print and Rita’s Occasion Wear feature in the campaign video which is designed to convey the huge sense of pride, ambition and opportunity that lies within Downpatrick. 

Billed as “one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in a generation” the redevelopment of the Irish Street site offers major potential with suggestions that some creative thinking could produce a significant economic dividend.

Council chairwoman Laura Devlin said the new campaign is designed to complement existing businesses and also boost Downpatrick’s economy.

“The redevelopment of the Irish Street site will be extremely beneficial to the entire community as it has the potential to act as a catalyst in boosting the local economy, delivering new amenities and an enhanced public realm for everyone in the area to enjoy,” she said.

“As a council, we recognise that the regeneration of our city, towns and villages will support our economy to rebalance and relaunch. It is vitally important that we promote our future ambition, the opportunities we hold for the transformation of spaces and the development of talent and energy for Downpatrick.” 

The council chairwoman said that with the initial consultation period on the redevelopment of the site closing last week, the regeneration project continues to move forward towards the overall goal of creating a multi-purpose, accessible and inclusive facility in the heart of Downpatrick.  

The Department of Communities has provided funding for the marketing campaign as part of its wider commitment to the regeneration of Downpatrick with the minister in charge of the Stormont department delighted to support the new marketing campaign.

“It has never been more important to progress initiatives that can regenerate our urban centres,” said Carál Ní Chuilín. “This marketing campaign highlights all that is special about Downpatrick, its history, culture, community spirit and scenery. 

“However, it recognises the town’s future ambition and opportunities and we will continue to work closely with the local council and our stakeholders to create and support opportunities that deliver against these ambitions.”

Local MLA Emma Rogan and Downpatrick councillors Dermot Curran and Oonagh Hanlon have welcomed the formal launch of the marketing campaign.

Ms Rogan says the campaign and Irish Street regeneration project will help promote Downpatrick and is a great example of a local authority and Department of Communities working together to develop the town and create economic stimulus. 

She added: “As traders and communities adjust to the impact of Covid-19, it is vital that we recognise and build on opportunities.”

Cllr Curran said the new campaign, in tandem with the Irish Street project, presented “exciting new regeneration, development and employment opportunities” for Downpatrick town centre.

He added: “The Irish Street site offers a unique opportunity and can provide a boost for everyone, particularly businesses which have been at the heart of the town’s economy for generations in some cases.

“I hope that the new campaign can reinforce Downpatrick’s position as a leading town centre, a place to do business, shop, visit and socialise. The town has much potential with the Irish Street site a critical piece in the regeneration jigsaw.”

Cllr Hanlon said Downpatrick had much to offer in term of culture, tourism, heritage and commerce. 

She added: “This campaign will undoubtedly encourage visits to our area. As more people are working from home and travelling less to city centre, it is an opportunity to support local business and rediscover what Downpatrick has to offer.”

• Details of the new Downpatrick regeneration initiative are available at www.newrymournedown.org/downpatrick-regeneration.