Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has reached a significant milestone in its Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme with the appointment of Woodvale Construction Company as the contractor for the city's new Theatre and Conference Centre.

The ambitious project involves the renovation of the Grade II-listed Newry Town Hall and the construction of a modern, multi-functional venue on the site of the neighbouring Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. The two structures will be connected by a glazed atrium to function as a single facility. The development will feature a new 255-seat auditorium with advanced audio-visual systems, complementing the existing 460-seat theatre in the Town Hall. This versatile space can also be reconfigured to accommodate up to 315 people for conferences.

Supported by the Belfast Region City Deal and the Shared Island Initiative, the £21.3 million centre is part of a broader £64.4 million investment in Newry. This wider programme includes a 15-acre City Park, a Civic and Regional Hub, and new public realm works, including a performance space to the rear of the theatre designed to revitalise the Sugar Island area.

Pre-construction work is set to begin shortly, with building works scheduled to start this summer. The facility is expected to open in Spring 2028. Additionally, the project includes collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on the design of the Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA said: "I welcome the appointment of a contractor for the new Theatre and Conference Centre and congratulate all involved in getting to this stage. My department is committed to the development of our cities, towns and villages and welcomes the significant opportunities now open to Newry following this major investment into its cultural infrastructure." Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell said: "I am delighted we have reached the stage of contractor appointment. I look forward to the new Theatre and Conference Centre in Newry delivering a vibrant programme of events for both residents and visitors. Our district is renowned for producing exceptional acting talent that has gone on to succeed on the world stage. Newry's proud theatrical legacy will continue, as a new generation of young performers, supported by their mentors, develop their passion for theatre in state-of-the-art facilities."

Cllr Campbell continued, "The Theatre and Conference Centre will also help increase footfall in Newry City and support the night-time economy. Over the next decade the Newry City Centre Regeneration programme will strengthen Newry's role within the Belfast-Dublin Economic Corridor, building on its strategic location and offering sustainable growth within the city and across the district."

Robert Ewing, Managing Director of Woodvale Construction said: "We are proud to deliver this landmark project for Newry. This is part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of the city, and we are committed to working closely with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to deliver high-quality, sustainable infrastructure that reflects the ambition of the district. As construction of the Theatre and Conference Centre gets underway, we look forward to creating local employment, supporting local supply chains and playing our part in building a prosperous future for Newry."

Cllr Murphy said, "We look forward to seeing the positive impact that the Theatre and Conference Centre and wider regeneration plans will have on the vibrancy of city life in the years ahead. We know there is much work still to be done but we are proud of our city and its potential and committed to delivering for the people of Newry and the entire district."

Cllr Finn said: "The Theatre and Conference Centre will help to position Newry as a leading regional centre for arts, learning, events, and culture. I look forward to further progress being made on this, and other projects, particularly Newry's City Park which I hope will enhance Newry's appeal as a place to live in, work in, invest in and visit."