TJ Morris, parent company of Home Bargains, has submitted a hybrid planning application to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for a mixed-use development in Newry. The project targets lands south and east of the Carnbane Way/Shepherds Way roundabout, Carnbane Way, and rear of Damolly Meadows.

The plans outline two large retail units, a garden centre, one fully approved industrial unit and outline permission for four more industrial units. One retail unit will house a relocated and expanded Home Bargains store of 3,252 square metres, including a 929 square metre garden centre and 202 square metre cafe area. The second retail unit measures 2,230 square metres.

Industrial units range from 929 to 2,322 square metres, each with dedicated car and HGV parking. A 140 square metre coffee unit and gatehouse are also proposed. The site includes 520 parking spaces, service yards, a bus stop lay-by, new roads, an internal roundabout, a bridge over the Newry River, retaining walls and landscaping.

Residential elements consist of nine three-bedroom houses with access from Ardmore Road. The development is phased, starting with 1,858 square metres of industrial floorspace alongside the retail units.

Projections indicate 460 to 560 permanent jobs and 250 construction jobs, with total investment of £80-90 million. The current Home Bargains store at Damolly Retail Park, 700 metres away, will relocate to the new site.

The application falls under major development category and awaits advertisement.