Environment Minister Alex Atwood is expected to reveal today (Wednesday) that plans for a multi-million pound development at Greenbank Industrial Estate have been given the go-ahead. The plans would see the major mixed use development built at the site of the APB meat processing factory in Newry. These includes non-food retail outlets, a covered mall, cafes/restaurants and enterprise and innovation centre, social housing and a riverside walk. Parma Investments Ltd run by Beef Baron and ABP owner Larry Goodman are behind the plans. The proposals had raised questions how it would affect the factory’s operations. ABP Newry is one of the city’s biggest employers wit an employee sheet of about 200 people and a large number of local providing farmers. Inn 2010 the company admitted given the Newry area had extended to surround the abattoir in the Greenbank location was “no longer ideal” ideal for the manufacturing facility. The Reporter understands Mr Goodman has assured he remains committed to operating in Newry and will find an alternative site in city. The Reporter contacted Parma Investments Ltd but a spokesman declined to comment. Dominic Bradley Newry and Armagh MLA said the development was a “win win for Newry.” “I have had a number of meetings with Parma Investments Ltd who are the promoters of this development and I have also been in contact with Environment Minister Alex Atwood and I now believe the file has been passed to him for consideration and that a positive decision may be imminent,” said Mr Bradley. This development is good news for Newry and the wider area. It will provide much needed social housing, it will add to the retail attractiveness of Newry to the entrepreneurial and innovative community locally. Obviously there is the added benefit to the construction industry in the area which has been struggling in recent years. Progressing on from this development is the opportunity for the meat processing operation at Greenbank by ABP to relocate to another site within the Newry area with the possibility of 500-600 jobs. APB Meats has given a commitment to maintain its operation and I look forward to the company living up to that commitment and to its commitment to the local farming community who have served the company so well over the years. The retail development at Greenbank provides the time needed for the meat processing operation to relocate to another site. All in this development can be a win win for Newry, for the construction industry, for the retail sector, for social housing, for local farmers and for the company itself. I very much look forward to further progress being made on this proposal over the coming weeks and months ahead.”
Newry Reporter
23rd May 2012
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