Newry City Council has launched the procurement stage for Newry City Park at Albert Basin. This step will identify suppliers and lead to tender invitations for companies.

A community consultation shaped the park's designs with input from schools, disability groups and sports organisations alongside PlayBoard NI. Five post-primary schools contributed 98 pupils from St Mary’s High School, St Joseph’s High School, Abbey Grammar School, Our Lady’s Grammar School and Sacred Heart Grammar School.

Six primary schools added 160 pupils from St Patrick’s The Meadow, Windsor Hill Primary School, St Joseph’s Meigh, St Moninna’s, Bunscoil an Iúir and Rathore School.

The project receives £16.2 million from the Department for Communities. Planned features include a sensory garden, play park, water sports zone, urban sports area, events spaces and links to the Carlingford Lough Greenway.

Planning will conclude in coming months, followed by contractor appointment and construction later this year. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA noted department commitment to the project with the council.

Council Chairperson Cllr Philip Campbell called the procurement start an important marker and thanked consultation participants. Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board co-chairs Cllr Doire Finn and Cllr Declan Murphy anticipate enhanced green space and city appeal.