Construction has commenced on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's new Theatre and Conference Centre, a flagship scheme within the Council's regeneration and investment programme for Newry city.

A sod-cutting ceremony took place on Friday 29 May at the site beside Newry Town Hall, attended by elected members, representatives from the local arts community and the Department for Communities. Attendees viewed the area to the rear of the new building that will be turned into an attractive public realm performance space.

Supported by the Belfast Region City Deal and the Shared Island Initiative, the Theatre and Conference Centre is a key element of the Council's Newry City Centre Regeneration programme and is scheduled to open to the public in spring 2028.

Woodvale Construction Company will refurbish the historic Grade II-listed Newry Town Hall and construct a multi-functional venue on the neighbouring Sean Hollywood Arts Centre site. The two buildings will be linked by a glazed atrium and operate as a single complex.

Complementing the existing 460-seat Town Hall theatre, the new auditorium will provide 255 seats in a variety of configurations and will be fitted with the latest audio-visual and performance systems. In its expanded conference arrangement, the space can accommodate up to 315 seats.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said: "Congratulations to all those involved in bringing the Theatre and Conference Centre to construction stage. My department is committed to supporting the development of our cities and towns and we are pleased to have supported this important project as it moves forward. This investment will help unlock the potential of Newry City and the wider district, creating new opportunities for culture, regeneration and economic growth."

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA said: "Today is an important milestone for this innovative project which will deliver significant benefits for Newry and the wider area, and I want to congratulate all those involved. I am delighted that as part of the Theatre and Conference project, my department and the Council are working together to deliver advance elements of Phase 2 of the Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme which aims to reduce the risk of flooding to properties in Newry. The first phase of the scheme was completed in 2023, and this next phase of works will support the delivery of the wider Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme currently under development."

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: "This is an exciting moment for the Council and our partners as we start to bring our vision for Newry's historic city centre to life. This investment, made possible through the transformative Belfast Region City Deal and Shared Island Initiative, is a significant commitment to our cultural infrastructure and reflects our confidence in the city's talented arts and business communities. The new Theatre and Conference Centre will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose space that will support our creative sector and attract new business opportunities."

Co-chairs of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board, Cllr Doire Finn and Declan Murphy, also welcomed the formal start on site.

Cllr Murphy said: "We are delighted to see construction work getting underway. It's a significant part of the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment and we are confident about the lasting benefits that the Theatre and Conference Centre, alongside the wider regeneration programme, will bring to the vibrancy of Newry city centre in the years ahead."

Cllr Finn said: "We are aware of our important position within the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor and want to drive that economic growth for Newry and the wider district. The Theatre and Conference Centre will help us do that and play an important role in establishing Newry as a leading regional destination for arts, culture and business. I look forward to seeing continued progress on this and other key regeneration projects, particularly Newry City Park."

Desmond Scott, Chairman of Woodvale Construction, said: "We are honoured to play a role in delivering a project that will become a major cultural and economic asset for the city for generations to come. This Theatre and Conference Centre reflects the ambition and ongoing development of Newry, and Woodvale Construction is proud to be working in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to bring the project to life. As construction progresses, we look forward to working closely with local businesses, creating employment opportunities and ensuring the project leaves a positive and lasting legacy for the people of Newry."

The £21.3 million Theatre and Conference Centre forms part of a wider £64.4 million investment in the city centre, including a 15-acre Newry City Park, new public realm, an office accommodation fund and a Civic and Regional Hub.

Across the Newry City Centre Regeneration portfolio, construction activity is expected to generate a range of skilled and semi-skilled jobs, supporting local employment and skills development. Local suppliers and service providers are also set to benefit through contracts and associated services. Beyond construction, the programme is anticipated to support sustainable, long-term jobs across retail, hospitality, the creative industries and public services.

For the Theatre and Conference Centre specifically, Woodvale Construction will work with the local further education sector to offer apprentice and trainee opportunities. The Council also intends to host a 'Meet the Buyer' event with Woodvale Construction for prospective suppliers, with further details to be issued via Council channels.