Public realm improvement works in the Church Street and De Courcy Place areas of Downpatrick are set to begin this summer following the announcement of a major regeneration investment by Department for Communities.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed that the Department for Communities will provide £2.5 million towards the project, alongside a £400,000 contribution from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Contractor John McQuillan Contracts Ltd has been appointed to deliver the scheme and is currently working with consultants AECOM ahead of construction works beginning in summer 2026.

The project will cover Church Street from Pillar Well Lane to the Scotch Street junction, and De Courcy Place and Lower English Street from the Church Street junction to the frontage of Denvir's Hotel. Planned improvements include granite paving, natural stone kerbs, upgraded pedestrian crossings, replacement traffic signals, new street furniture and planters, additional trees, and modern street lighting.

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Welcoming the announcement, Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased that work to improve this historic part of Downpatrick will soon be commencing. This major investment will complement previously completed schemes within Downpatrick and will help unlock wider physical and social regeneration within the town centre to encourage more visitors and tourists to the area, providing a welcome boost for the local economy."

Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell said: "This investment is long overdue, represents a key output from the Downpatrick Living High Street Framework and is a great opportunity to further boost the overall regeneration and growth of the town. Council is fully aware of the disruption already experienced on the street from the advance utility works and will work closely with government agencies and the public realm contractor regarding traffic management and overall delivery of the works."

Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group Chair Mal McGrady added: "Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group is pleased to see the further roll-out of works identified as necessary to upgrade one of the main arterial routes into the centre of Downpatrick and make the approach to the historic English Street/Mall area more appealing visually. We are thankful to the Department of Communities and Newry Mourne and Down District Council for providing funding which will improve the town centre for residents, businesses and visitors alike. DRWG will continue to address areas identified for improvement both in relation to infrastructure and events that will enable us to enhance visitor numbers to the town."