Construction has started on Newry's £21.3 million Theatre and Conference Centre, with completion due by spring 2028.

A sod-cutting ceremony took place at the site adjacent to Newry Town Hall on Friday, marking the start of work by Woodvale Construction Company. The project will renovate the listed Town Hall and build a new venue on the site of the former Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, linked by a glazed atrium. A 255-seat auditorium will complement the existing 460-seat theatre.

The scheme is part of a £64.4 million city centre regeneration programme and is funded through the Belfast Region City Deal and Shared Island Initiative. It includes advanced works for Phase 2 of the Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme, the Infrastructure Minister said.

Outgoing council chairperson Philip Campbell described the project as a commitment to cultural infrastructure that will support the arts and business sectors.

Separately, the council's planning committee approved projects for two derelict sites: a drive-thru restaurant, offices and reopening of the Carriage Arch at Sugar Island and Bank Parade, and a retail unit with nine apartments at 46 Monaghan Street.

These join other developments underway, including the 15-acre Newry City Park, a £14.5 million innovation centre for Southern Regional College, and public realm improvements.

Newry BID manager Eamonn Connolly noted that after frustration over development pace, visible progress on multiple major schemes is now encouraging. He said confidence is growing as long-derelict sites are brought back into use.

The council anticipates the projects will generate construction jobs and local supply contracts. Woodvale Construction will provide apprentice and trainee places, and a 'Meet the Buyer' event is planned for potential suppliers.