A funding package for further upgrades and the marketing of Hill Street and Monaghan Street could be worth more than £250k. Last week the Reporter revealed that the Department of Social Development funding which follows on from the £1.8m public realm scheme was expected to be worth in the region of £150k. However Newry and Mourne Council has confirmed that funding available will be closer to £250k. In a statement Council said, “The Newry revitalisation programme is currently being finalised and it looks as if spend will now be £250k +.” Although final details on how the funding will be spent are yet to be confirmed it is understood it will fall under three main areas. These include a fund for marketing of the city’s two main shopping streets, funding for businesses to improve the appearance of their premises and a budget for providing street entertainment that will increase footfall in the area. Indeed these entertainments are being expected to begin this month in the new entertainments plaza on Marcus Square. Last Friday a special photo call was held in the transformed square with local traders keen to press home that the two streets were very much open for business. In a statement Newry City Centre Management Chairman Jack Murphy said that whilst the works have been inconvenient they will deliver long term benefits. “We have all had a couple of tough months during the works but now we are keen to get back to normal and get the message out there to the public that Hill Street and Monaghan Street are back open and ready for business,” he said. “I would also like to say a special word of thanks to all our customers for their support and patience during the disruption.” An official opening ceremony will take place in September to allow for the much need resurfacing of Monaghan Street.
Newry Reporter
4th July 2012
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