A Newry-based betting shop owner has requested permission to partially demolish their building to make way for the development of a small apartment complex.
The site belonging to Boyle Sports – which has a head office in Dundalk – is based at 14 The Mall, Newry where it comprises a bookmakers and rear retail unit with an accessible entry adjacent.
The application submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council requests permission to demolish the street-facing portion of the building for the construction of a three storey building with four two bedroom apartments and two one bedroom apartments.
The existing adjacent retail unit to the rear of the property facing onto Margaret Square/Hill Street will remain unaffected by the proposals.
The ground floor of Boyle Sports will continue to house the bookmakers shop – for which permission has also been sought for refurbishment – with an off-street apartment entrance to be introduced where the current entrance to the rear retail unit exists.
There would also be the introduction of a lobby, drying area and bin storage unit for residents.
On the first floor, approval has been sought to construct two, two bedroom apartments and one single bedroom apartment. The rear apartment would also include a “private amenity space” adjacent to a communal garden space for the use of residents, made accessible from the building’s stair core.
The second floor would then comprise a further two, two bedroom apartments and one single bedroom apartment in the same form and layout as the first floor – excluding a private amenity space for the rear apartment.
All of the apartments would encompass open plan kitchen and living space, bathroom and linen cupboard.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
