Long-awaited revitalisation schemes in Newry and Warrenpoint are to begin next month.
Following on from the public realm schemes completed in both, revitalisation plans are in place for the Newry Cathedral Quarter and the centre of Warrenpoint.
The multi-million pound environmental improvement schemes have been completed and included new pavements and street furniture, among other things.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was subsequently given the approval of the Department for Communities to implement revitalisation schemes.
A total of £150,000 was allocated for Warrenpoint, with a further £100,000 for Newry Cathedral Corridor – with council matching both of these amounts to make a total collective investment of £500,000.
Steering committees – including councillors for each area and Chamber of Commerce – were set up.
Action plans were drawn up which include shop frontage improvements, as well as “marketing and branding” projects.
But despite giving the go-ahead for revitalisation schemes, both had been delayed due to the Department for Communities being unable to approve budgets.
Now NMD Council’s enterprise, regeneration and tourism committee’s meeting this Monday will be told the Department has just confirmed the necessary budgets have now been passed.
That means the works will now get underway in July.
The council’s match funding contribution had been earmarked within its own existing budgets.
