Impressive plans aiming to shape future of tourism around Newcastle

Impressive plans aiming to shape future of tourism around Newcastle

29 March 2017

HIGHLY ambitious proposals aimed at shaping future tourism in Newcastle have been unveiled and include some stunning ideas.

Concept proposals aimed at attracting international visitors to the resort include a gondola ride into the foothills of the Mournes, a visitor centre at the quarry at Thomas’ Mountain, an Alpine coaster enabling people to hurtle down the side of the mountain on a single track in a buggy and an indoor activity centre in Donard Park.

Other proposals include an elevated tree top walk in Tollymore Forest Park, a new visitor centre and bird hide at the Murlough Nature Reserve and a new footbridge constructed under the main Kilkeel Road at the Bloody Bridge on the outskirts of the town.

Consultants appointed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to look at developing the resort’s visitor infrastructure have also come up with proposals for the Islands Park, with upgrades planned for existing car parks, alongside new public toilet provision. There are also proposals to reduce the the tree line in Donard Forest on the slopes of the Mournes.

A green travel network which would allow visitors to hire bicycles and electric bikes to make their way round various attractions is also being suggested.

No budget is in place and neither council officials nor the consultants are in a position to determine how many years it would take to implement the various proposals, provided funding can be secured and there is public support.

The concept proposals which form the core of the Mourne Mountains Gateway Study were unveiled last week and have been tabled with a number of key organisations including the National Trust, Forest Service and Environment Agency. Local politicians have seen the proposals and now the public is being given the opportunity to have its say.

Before anything happens, numerous planning and environmental approvals will be required, alongside the compilation of feasibility studies and business cases.

Consultants, keen to build on what they have described as Newcastle’s “fantastic assets,” focused on a primary study area which included Thomas’ Quarry in the Mournes, Donard Park and Donard Forest and how these areas are linked to Tollymore Forest Park, Murlough Nature Reserve and the Bloody Bridge on the outskirts of the resort.

They say the overarching vision is to provide world-class, international tourist attractions which develop sustainable enhancement of access from Newcastle to the Mournes and its foothills and forests, while also broadening recreational provision.

Consultant Neill Elliott said the story of the Mournes is at the heart of the various proposals with the focus on developing attractions “which tell the amazing story of the area.” He said they are split into three themes, mountains, myths and maritime, with an emphasis on epic moments in a number of areas.

He said while planning for the future, it is important to get the area’s infrastructure right, explaining the need to address parking and congestion and public toilet provision has already been flagged up by the public during the initial consultation which was held last month.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council director, Marie Ward, said the consultants have come up with a vision of what they and the local authority believe would be very successful for Newcastle and the wider area.

“The consultants have come up with our very own Titanic or Giants Causeway and it is quite an exciting concept, one that recognises the environmental setting that provides many development opportunities. What we are doing now is putting out there what we think we could do ahead of starting work on business cases and costings to get a feel for people’s views and their reaction,” she said.

Mrs Ward said once the public has had its say, attention will turn to costs to see if the various proposals can actually be delivered. She said if there is public buy-in, there will be a phased approach to development.

She added: “Newry, Mourne and Down Council, working in partnership with Tourism NI, is determined to deliver a game changing tourism project for the area and we believe what happens in Newcastle can act as a catalyst for the entire region.”