Construction work is under way on Hill Street and The Mall in Newry, in what will be the first residential property to be constructed in the area in many many years. An increase in night time footfall in Newry City Centre and especially Hill Street has long been suggested as a way to make the area more vibrant, and residents living 'over the shop' so to speak will certainly contribute to this.
Planning permission has been granted for the new build of 12 apartments overlooking The Mall and for 6 apartments above retail units in what was the old Newry Post Office on Hill Street. A present application seeks to amend the 6 apartments in the former Post Office to 4 apartments which will be above ground floor retail.
The new build will see 10 two bedroom apartments and 2 three bedroom apartments built over 4 storeys facing The Mall. Associated car parking will be included. If permission is granted for the amendment, this would see a further 4 two bedroom apartments overlooking Newry Cathedral.
Earlier this year an archaeological survey had to be carried out as it was noted the area of the site was listed as a ‘Tannery’ on a map circa 1840. Tanneries converted animal hides into leather.
Results of the survey confirmed there was a tanning industry on site, dating to the 19th century. Planning agreed that, as a sample of the tanning pits had been investigated, specifically a pit which will be directly impacted upon by the piling regime during building and that all of the other archaeological deposits associated with the tannery will be preserved in situ, that development be allowed to proceed without the requirement for further archaeological involvement.
