Eyesores to be transformed

Eyesores to be transformed

25 September 2013

TWO of the biggest eyesores in Downpatrick town centre are to be transformed.

Planning approval has been given for two derelict buildings to be converted — one into shops and offices and the other into an animal hospital.

At the junction of Market Street and St. Patrick’s Avenue a single story building, which once housed an amusement arcade, is to become a commercial building again.

The owners of the building, Michele, Michael and Gerard Breen, have been given approval to convert the building into shops and offices.

Details of the plan were unveiled at Down Council’s monthly meeting on Monday night.

However, Councillor Cadogan Enright objected to the proposal, arguing it should be

demolished to widen the road and improve access in any future one-way system.

The second proposal relates to a former education building in Church Street.

The former East Down Institute building beside the telephone exchange, is to be demolished to make way for a new animal hospital.

The proposal comes from the Castle Veterinary Group which already has a practice at the junction of Meadowlands and Bridge Street.

The group also has a major practice base in Castlewellan.