09/01/2026
Asda Seals Deal For Larger Downpatrick Store
Asda has reinforced its long-term presence in Downpatrick by signing contracts with site owner Celpark Ltd to deliver a new superstore in the town centre.
The development will rise on Asda's former site at Ballydugan Retail Park, replacing the temporary, smaller outlet that has served customers since January 2024. The original store, a fixture in the area for more than two decades, was irreparably damaged during the storms of November 2023. The multi-million-pound project has been warmly received by local colleagues, who were briefed first by Michael McFadden, Asda’s Senior Director for Northern Ireland.
"Today marks another important milestone for our business in Downpatrick and we are thrilled to be able to share this great news with our colleagues, our customers, local politicians, stakeholders and other retailers," said Michael McFadden.
"The hard work now begins to develop our new, modern superstore which will be 20% bigger than the original store, offering significantly more floor space and scope. It also includes a new Petrol Filling Station and upgraded office and colleague space, adding value for all."
The scheme includes demolishing the existing building and major investment in groundworks, including piling design. Celpark's contractors are expected to work considerately to minimise disruption during the complex rebuild.
Highlighting the pathway to opening, Michael McFadden said: "We hope to celebrate our opening in spring 2027 and will continue to operate from our temporary store throughout the rebuild process. To further support customers, we also plan to transition operations overnight to the new store, ensuring continuity of trade throughout. We know there may be challenges along the way and hope all who work and shop with us will bear with the developers as they progress this complex but vitally important project."
Thanking colleagues for their resilience, Michael McFadden added: "This is the news we've long awaited. We're not simply 'replacing', we are 'upgrading' to a flagship standard that will serve this community for decades to come. We’ve navigated the challenges of the last few years and are now on the pathway to our fantastic new home."
The development will rise on Asda's former site at Ballydugan Retail Park, replacing the temporary, smaller outlet that has served customers since January 2024. The original store, a fixture in the area for more than two decades, was irreparably damaged during the storms of November 2023. The multi-million-pound project has been warmly received by local colleagues, who were briefed first by Michael McFadden, Asda’s Senior Director for Northern Ireland.
"Today marks another important milestone for our business in Downpatrick and we are thrilled to be able to share this great news with our colleagues, our customers, local politicians, stakeholders and other retailers," said Michael McFadden.
The scheme includes demolishing the existing building and major investment in groundworks, including piling design. Celpark's contractors are expected to work considerately to minimise disruption during the complex rebuild.
Highlighting the pathway to opening, Michael McFadden said: "We hope to celebrate our opening in spring 2027 and will continue to operate from our temporary store throughout the rebuild process. To further support customers, we also plan to transition operations overnight to the new store, ensuring continuity of trade throughout. We know there may be challenges along the way and hope all who work and shop with us will bear with the developers as they progress this complex but vitally important project."
Thanking colleagues for their resilience, Michael McFadden added: "This is the news we've long awaited. We're not simply 'replacing', we are 'upgrading' to a flagship standard that will serve this community for decades to come. We’ve navigated the challenges of the last few years and are now on the pathway to our fantastic new home."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.