Work to get underway on £2.1million Warrenpoint improvements: Storey

Date published: 18 November 2015

The regeneration works will greatly enhance the town centre by upgrading Church Street, the Town Square, Charlotte Street, Newry Road and Dock Street.

Works include:

• upgrading of footpaths;
• increased and improved lighting provision;
• under-grounding of overhead services; and
• additional street furniture and foliage throughout the town.

Minister Storey said: “This much anticipated and major investment in Warrenpoint will result in significant improvements to the heart of the town centre and help to make the town more attractive to its residents, traders, visitors and investors.

“I have seen how public realm schemes in other towns have created a more attractive environment and how these have helped improve the vitality of the area. I know that those who live, work and represent Warrenpoint and indeed South Down are giving their full support to the scheme.”

Northstone (NI) Limited Material Division is in the process of commencing their pre-construction works with the full on-site works due to commence in January 2016. The scheme is expected to complete in November 2016.

Minister added: “The South East Coast Masterplan identified this Public Realm improvement scheme as a key priority for Warrenpoint. I am therefore pleased that this project is now being delivered and I look forward to seeing the work progress over the next year.”

The total cost of the scheme is estimated at approximately £2.1million. This includes £640,000 contributed from the Department for Social Development, and a further £1,460,000 from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie said: "In welcoming the start of the Warrenpoint Public Realm scheme, Council would fully acknowledge the funding on offer from the Department for Social Development and the long term successful partnership working there has been with the Warrenpoint, Burren and Rostrevor Chambers of Commerce.

”The Warrenpoint Scheme represents a successful start to one of the key investment objectives of the previously completed South East Coast Masterplan, which so much time and effort have been invested in.”