Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Department for Communities (DfC) has announced that the next stage of public realm works along Warrenpoint's Front Shore has commenced.

After contractors, Gibson Banbridge, finished the promenade, beach and Marine Parade in mid-2023, the project now focuses on the Havelock Place and Osbourne Terrace car parks along the front shore, as well as the central green space in between.

DfC has provided £2.1 million of funding for the 'Warrenpoint Front Shore Car-Parks Public Realm Scheme' with a contribution of £500,000 from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Newly appointed contractor, John McQuillan Contracts Ltd, is now on-site working in partnership with scheme consultants AECOM, to deliver the project by the scheduled completion in early 2025.

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This long-awaited project will completely revamp the space, originally built in the early 1990s. Upgrades include new curbs and walkways, a resurfaced car park, decorative streetlights, stylish street furniture, informative signage and fresh tree and plant landscaping throughout.

In light of so much planned activity, regular liaison is being held with local elected councillors, statutory agencies and trader representatives from the Warrenpoint Burren and Rostrevor Chamber of Commerce.

Welcoming the commencement of the scheme, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons stated: "I am delighted that work to improve the car parks at Havelock Place and Osborne Terrace has commenced. This major investment will complement the recently completed scheme along the Promenade and will help unlock wider physical and social regeneration within Warrenpoint town centre to encourage more visitors and tourists to the area, providing a welcome boost for the local economy."

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said: "This next phase of works along Warrenpoint’s front shore is long overdue and it represents a great opportunity to further boost the overall regeneration and growth of the town.

"When complete, the promenade and car park upgrade will represent significant investment along Warrenpoint’s Front Shore to complement other previously completed schemes within the town over recent years, such as the Church Street and The Square Public Realm as well as the restoration of Warrenpoint Municipal Park."