Harbour area earmarked for much-needed regeneration

Harbour area earmarked for much-needed regeneration

23 March 2016

NEWCASTLE’S historic harbour area could be in line for a major regeneration initiative.

Plans have been drawn up to resurface the north pier which is currently closed to the public because of its poor state of repair. However, a much more significant investment scheme to regenerate the entire harbour area is to be examined by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Given the historical importance of the harbour area, councillors are keen to see a regeneration initiative and help breathe new life into this part of the resort. 

Councillors last week agreed to draw up a scheme that could potentially include new seating and lighting and the restoration of a former generator house.

Councillor Willie Clarke said there is little doubt the area offers “enormous regeneration potential” and explained while restoration plans for this part of the resort were completed in 2007 and 2011, they were never implemented.

He has met with council officers to discuss how the various recommendations in the reports can be implemented in a phased approach and highlighted the harbour’s redevelopment potential at last week’s meeting of the local authority’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee. 

Councillor Clarke said the harbour represents an important part of Newcastle’s built heritage and everything should be done to make it an attractive location.

He added: “The harbour issue is pushed from pillar to post. I have raised the resurfacing issue in the past and been told by the former Down Council there was no money in the building maintenance budget to finance the work. I was subsequently assured in the run up to two previous rates meetings that money was available. 

“The poor state of the north pier is a health and safety issue. It is an area where 73 people lost their lives in 1843 and there is a lot of history attached to this part of the resort.”

Councillor Clarke said while funders are being sought for the planned resurfacing, there is a need to identify additional finance to regenerate and restore the entire harbour area, “creating a sense of place through the development of a historic quarter.”

He added: “The harbour has fabulous built heritage but the area has fallen into dereliction and since the 1800s there has been no meaningful investment at this part of the town, apart from a new sewage plant. We have to stop kicking the issue down the road and start planning for the future and coming up with a major restoration programme involving both piers. 

Councillor Garth Craig said it’s a “shame” such a historic part of Newcastle is currently closed to the public as a result of health and safety issues and agreed there is a need to take a strategic approach to the redevelopment of this part of Newcastle.

The importance of spreading the potential funding net far and wide was highlighted by councillor Terry Andrews. He said it is clear a lot of work is required at the harbour given the history of the area.

“Over the years a lot of money has been spent revitalising Newcastle promenade and the town centre, but there has been no investment at the harbour. That is something we need to look at. It is important we can agree a regeneration scheme to take forward,” he added.

Councillor Brian Quinn said while he supported much of what his colleagues said about the harbour area, he requested that a paper is produced to provide an update for elected representatives who are not familiar with this part of the district and the scale of the work required.

Council Director, Eddy Curtis, said he has met two potential funders interested in financing the resurfacing work, adding: “I can feel the need for action here and we will make sure we give it every effort we can to make this scheme a reality. We will also bring a paper back to the committee on moving forward the work at the harbour.”