Great news from our member, S&W Wholesale who are planning to construct a new multi-million pound storage and distribution centre in Newry City.
The company already operates from a 100,000 sq ft base the Carnbane Business Park, Newry but they have revealed plans for a bigger 180,000 sq ft complex on an 11 acre site on the other side of the A1.
It follows a period of significant growth for the business, which traces its roots in Newry back more than a century. Originally founded as Newry Cash & Carry in 1916, the company merged with J&E Whitten in 2000 to create Savage & Whitten, now known as S&W Wholesale.
A pre-planning application has been submitted by S&W Wholesale which would service its fast-growing all-island distribution network and provide a significant employment boost for the area.
The new facility is expected to provide around 180,000 sq ft of floorspace for the wholesaler, which is classified as a Top 100 NI business, employing around 250 people and servicing the needs of over 2,500 customers.
S&W Wholesale is behind the Today’s and Nearby retail brands which now operates some 140 stores across the island of Ireland.
The two-storey development would take the form of a storage and distribution warehouse with office accommodation at first floor level.
The centre would be situated on “lands east of Chancellors Road and to the north and west of No. 20 Carnagat Lane, Newry”.
The development would also include a service yard, wash bay and recycling area, security cabin, together with landscaping.
Extensive parking provision and covered cycle parks are included too, while a new access road would be developed, with layout to include a right hand turn lane at Chancellors Road.
After a period of public consultation and taking on board public feedback, a full planning application will follow.
Importantly, the business is committed to driving its footprint in the local community, with plans to build on its 250+ strong workforce and to work with local organisations in making a positive difference in the community.
Full details of the storage and distribution centre are to be unveiled next month, with a dedicated website to be created. It would go live on Monday 21st March 2022 and remain operational for five weeks, until Monday 25th April 2022.
The public will be able to submit their views on the company’s proposals and make direct contact with the technical team during that time.
Residents living within 200 metres of the proposed warehouse development will be informed in writing of the plans a week before the website goes live. Correspondence will contain a comment card and pre-addressed envelope to allow them to make their views known.
Politicians and key stakeholders will also have the opportunity to express their opinions before the submission of a full planning application at a later date.