The Newry Sports Centre Site in Patrick Street has been sold by Newry, Mourne and Down Council to the Southern Regional College with details finalised today.
The Sports Centre has been derelict in recent years as a result of plans for the new Newry Leisure Centre which opened in 2017. Over the years as well as a sports centre, it was used for election counts and concerts. Status Quo even played there in 1990 starting their gig with 'Down Down' (in stark contrast to the usual refrain of 'Up Down')
Commenting on the sale Newry City Councillor, Cllr Charlie Casey said "This is a welcome development. The expansion plans of the Southern Regional College can now be advanced. The educational opportunities, creation of employment, and the benefits to our local economy through the Colleges growth is very positive news particularly in these challenging times".
Cllr Casey added "Also the monies received by the Council for the property will help the Councils ability to bring forward its capital proposals".
Fellow Newry Councillor, Cllr Gary Stokes said "After 13 years in the planning the old sports centre site at Patrick Street was finally sold to Newry SRC today. Back in the mid 2000s when the Council first planned the new sports centre the vacant site always presented an opportunity for the expansion of the College. This is great news for the college, for students and for the city. It can only bring more students into the city centre."
