Downpatrick's Irish Street site is to be redeveloped through a pre-market engagement exercise, with developers, investors and hotel operators invited to submit proposals. The process, launched by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, covers a prominent town centre location.

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 has set out a hotel-led vision for the site, with complementary residential, retail and public realm uses. The stated aim is to strengthen Downpatrick's appeal as a place to visit, live and work and to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

A capital grant of up to £5.2 million is being proposed by the Department and the council to support delivery of a high-quality scheme.

Minister Lyons said the development could enhance the town centre, draw on Downpatrick's heritage and support tourism and local businesses. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson Glyn Hanna said the redevelopment would provide a social and economic boost, create jobs and improve the tourism offering. Malachy McGrady, chair of the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group, said the site was recognised as a key opportunity and welcomed the step forward.

Details of the engagement are available on the eTendersNI portal.