A Newry family business is to complete a “Beau Arts” development linked to the city’s new £23m theatre.
The Sugar Island location is aligned to the council’s planned 250 seater theatre on the site of the old Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, which is now due to be demolished.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s planning committee signed off on the Downey Developments application this week (May 27) without further scrutiny in open chambers.
A spokesperson for Milligan Reside Larkin architects on behalf of Downey Developments, said: “As part of the design development Milligan Reside Larkin Ltd worked collaboratively with the council to develop a development that is complimentary to the new theatre.
“Careful consideration has been given to the context of the immediate and surrounding area in terms of societal needs, environmental context and the economic climate.
“The architectural style of Sugar Island is a blend of Victorian, industrial, and contemporary influences.
“This approach contributes to a high-quality sense of place by retaining the key characteristics and appropriate scale.”
The Downeys are well known in the council area with family members owning various businesses in the district.
The full proposal for Sugar Island will include a drive-thru restaurant, retail units and office space as well as the upgrade of an entrance at Bank Parade at the new theatre.
The original ‘Carriage Arch’ will be also reopened as a link to the site’s former use as a shopping arcade.
The MRL spokesperson added:”The overall design creates an improved architectural appearance of the existing site and integrates this part of the city into a new public realm, by creating public access to a new ‘Beau Arts’ square with improved pedestrian access to this part of Newry.
“The proposal aims to enhance the vibrancy of the neighbourhood, provide new urban spaces, buildings that will provide convenient services, and contribute to an overall pleasing aesthetic and improves the economic growth of the city.
“The over-arching rationale is to create a commercial synergy in the Sugar Island area which will ensure that the development can enhance the local economy with both employment, commercial activity and compliment the proposed new theatre by providing new artisan retail, cafés and restaurants. “
