Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has advanced the Newry City Park project by launching the procurement process to appoint a construction contractor.

This phase will pre-qualify suitable suppliers and culminate in invitations to tender for the scheme.

The step follows a comprehensive community engagement programme that has helped shape the park’s final designs. Working with PlayBoard NI, the Council sought feedback from local schools alongside disability and sports groups to ensure the plans reflect a broad range of needs.

Five local post-primary schools and six primary schools took part. In total, 98 pupils from St Mary's High School, St Joseph's High School, Abbey Grammar School, Our Lady's Grammar School and Sacred Heart Grammar School were involved. A further 160 pupils participated from St Patrick's The Meadow, Windsor Hill Primary School, St Joseph's Meigh, St Moninna's, Bunscoil an Iúir and Rathore School.

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Planning is expected to conclude in the coming months, after which a contractor will be appointed and construction is due to begin later this year.

Set to be a flagship destination for play, sport, leisure and outdoor recreation, Newry City Park is backed by £16.2 million in Complimentary Funding administered through the Department for Communities. The project will turn the Albert Basin into a welcoming, inclusive green space for relaxation, nature and community events.

The design will honour Newry's heritage while integrating modern, sustainable features. Proposed elements include links to the Carlingford Lough Greenway, a sensory garden, a premium play park, a water sports zone, an urban sports area and flexible event spaces to promote health, wellbeing and community connection.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said: "I welcome this significant progress in the Newry City Park project. This major development will bring significant economic, health, and wellbeing benefits to residents and visitors alike. My department remains committed to working closely with the Council to support its successful delivery."

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell said: "I welcome the procurement process getting underway, which is an important marker for any major construction project.

"Thank you also to everyone who took part so enthusiastically in the community engagement process. It’s part of our commitment to ensuring Newry City Park is an inclusive, welcoming space that responds to community needs."