Newcastle to get outdoor events space at centre

Newcastle to get outdoor events space at centre

21 February 2024

THE Department for Communities support for the temporary events space at the rear of the Newcastle Centre has been welcomed by local politicians.

The area previously housed an extension at the community centre which has been bulldozed in advance of work starting on a new multi-million pound leisure facility in the heart of the resort.

Work on the new events space is due to start within the next few weeks.

Stormont communities minister, Gordon Lyons, said he was pleased to be able to support both the Downpatrick and Newcastle projects with a total funding package of £600,000.

“The skate park was identified as a high priority project in the recently published Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework,” he said.

“This project along, with the new events space at the Newcastle Centre, will create health and wellbeing opportunities and help attract more people to the town centres and positively impact the local economy.”

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman, Valerie Harte, thanked the government department for its significant financial support. 

She said among the council’s key priorities are attracting more people into  town centres and supporting a reinvigoration of the High Street.

“As the Dunleath Park project was one of the priorities of the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group’s Living High Streets Framework I would also like to thank the group for their ongoing support of this project,” she said.

Cllr Harte said the new temporary outdoor event space at the rear of the Newcastle Centre has the potential to serve the community by transforming into a vibrant, multifunctional outdoor events facility.

“This will involve creating a suitable finished surface for various activities such as outdoor events and artisan markets,” she explained.

“This inclusive space, with the potential for commercial and community events and recreational activities, will enhance the town centre, creating opportunities for local businesses and increasing footfall.”

The chairwoman said the temporary space became available following demolition work at the rear of the Newcastle Centre, with the town’s Chamber of Commerce engaging with the local authority with the aim of making the best possible use of the site.”

Council vice-chairman, Gareth Sharvin, said the Dunleath project will provide a free, safe, off road, skatepark and pump track that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users, including children and young people. 

“As well as improving opportunities for physical activity, it is hoped the facility by Down Leisure Centre will also increase visitors to Downpatrick town centre via linkages from Dunleath Park,” he added.