'Part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity': Omagh contractor appointed to deliver new £21.3million theatre and conference centre in Newry

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has marked a major milestone in its ambitious city centre regeneration programme with the appointment of Woodvale Construction Company to deliver the new Theatre and Conference Centre.

The project will see the renovation of the historic Grade II-listed Newry Town Hall alongside the construction of a multi-functional venue on the site of the former Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. Linked by a glazed atrium, the two buildings will operate as a single, integrated facility.

The development will feature the historic 460-seat Town Hall theatre alongside a new 255-seat auditorium capable of multiple configurations. Expanded conference layouts can accommodate up to 315 seats. Complementing the indoor spaces, a new public realm performance area at the rear will help regenerate the Sugar Island area.

Supported by the Belfast Region City Deal and the Shared Island Initiative, pre-construction work will begin ahead of full construction this Summer, with the Centre expected to open in Spring 2028. The project also integrates design work for part of the wider Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme, supporting sustainable city infrastructure.

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 explained: “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.

“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 continued: “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.”

The £21.3 million Theatre and Conference Centre is part of a wider £64.4 million investment in the City Centre, including a 15-acre Newry City Park, new public realm, office accommodation fund and a Civic and Regional Hub.

Once on site, the Newry City Centre Regeneration projects are expected to create a range of skilled and semi-skilled jobs in the construction industry — supporting local employment and skills development. Local suppliers and service providers will also benefit through contracts and support services. Beyond the construction phase, it will also lead to sustainable long-term job creation across multiple sectors including retail, hospitality, the creative industries and public services.

Co-chairs of the Newry City Centre Regeneration Programme Board councillors Declan Murphy and Doire Finn welcomed the latest developments.

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 added: “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.”