Newcastle secures new £250,000 tourism grant

Newcastle secures new £250,000 tourism grant

14 August 2013

NEWCASTLE has received a £255,000 boost to encourage more visitors to the town.

The money will be used to provide a portable cinema and a covered outdoor space to allow events to take place all year round. A marketing campaign will also be launched to attract more tourists.

The money comes from the Department of Social Development (DSD) whose Minister, Nelson McCausland, who has approved the grant under the Revitalisation Project to help promote Newcastle as one of the top tourist destinations in Northern Ireland.

The news has been welcomed

by Newcastle councillor Patrick Clarke as helping to promote the local economy and regenerate the town centre.

“No doubt the £255,000 from DSD together with the remaining £32,000 coming from Down Council will help to further increase footfall into the popular seaside resort,” said Mr. Clarke.

“Since the completion of the public realm scheme a number of years ago, Newcastle has seen a dramatic increase in the number of visitors and tourists that visit. Footfall alone has increased by over 400 per cent.

“Through the combined efforts of the committee established under the Revitalisation Project, including officials from Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, Down District Council and DSD, this further investment of £255,000 by DSD will help to continue to develop economic development and increased tourism potential in Newcastle.”