Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a pre-market engagement exercise for the redevelopment of the Irish Street site in Downpatrick, in a joint initiative with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

The engagement is aimed at developers, investors and hotel operators and will help shape proposals for a major regeneration scheme on one of the town’s key town centre sites.

The 2.02-acre site includes the former PSNI station, a number of listed buildings along Irish Street and an 83-space council-owned car park.

The Department for Communities and the council are seeking proposals for a hotel-led development designed to enhance the town centre, support tourism and act as a catalyst for wider regeneration. Plans could also incorporate complementary residential, retail and public realm uses.

Launching the pre-market engagement, Minister Lyons said: "The Irish Street development site has the potential to transform the town centre, creating a vibrant destination that reflects Downpatrick’s rich heritage while supporting a growing tourism economy and strengthening local businesses. This is a significant opportunity to bring forward a high-quality regeneration scheme in one of the most important locations in Downpatrick.

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"Through this engagement, we are inviting developers, investors and hotel operators to work with us to shape a scheme that can deliver real and lasting benefits for Downpatrick and the wider region, encouraging growth and improving the tourism offer."

The proposed development is intended to strengthen Downpatrick’s appeal as a destination to visit, while also creating new opportunities for people to live and work in the town. The Department said the scheme could help attract investment and support sustainable economic growth.

To assist with delivery, the Department and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are proposing a capital grant of up to £5.2 million towards a high-quality redevelopment scheme.

Councillor Glyn Hanna, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said the project could provide a significant boost to the town and support wider regeneration efforts.

"The redevelopment of this key town centre site will provide a significant social and economic boost for Downpatrick and act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town. This landmark regeneration scheme will support local businesses, create new job opportunities, and enhance the town's tourism offering."