A CONSULTATION has opened into how best to regenerate a prime commercial site in the centre of Downpatrick, which includes the town's decommissioned police station.
As well as the former PSNI building, which is owned by the Department for Communities, the 1.8-acre site in Irish Street includes a council-owned car park and a strip of land running between the two sites, situated just off the main Market Street shopping thoroughfare.
Views are being sought by September 18, after which the communities department will offer the site for sale by way of a development brief.
Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “This is an excellent example of the Department and Council working together to regenerate Downpatrick town centre.
“The development has the potential to transform the Irish Street area into a vibrant, attractive and cohesive place that is enjoyable for all, and it will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chair Laura Devlin added: “The opportunities presented are immense, and I hope the re-development can progress as soon as possible.
“The soft market testing for the project is a welcome first step in the progression of this exciting regeneration project.”
ARUP consultants have been appointed to oversee the consultation, along with commercial agents Lambert Smith Hampton.
Site details can be viewed online at https://virtualengage.arup.com/irish-street where both developers and the general public can view a brochure and submit expressions of interest and general feedback.
