Welcome to our Pre-Application Community Consultation (PACC) website relating to our proposals for Armagh Road in Newry.
SITE CONTEXT & LOCATION
The development is planned for the former Cuan Mhuire lands, a substantial site strategically positioned just south-west of Newry City. Its location is highly significant, adjacent to the A1 dual carriageway – the primary transport link between Belfast and Dublin – placing it at a crucial juncture for trade and connectivity across the island. The site also benefits from its close proximity, approximately 350 meters, to the established Carnbane Industrial Estate.
Currently, access to the lands is provided from the A28 Armagh Road, with future plans to enhance connectivity through a new link road to Shepherds Way and the A27. Historically, the site housed a complex of institutional buildings, and it continues to include an existing graveyard, which will be respectfully maintained. Towards its eastern boundary, the site gently slopes down to the Bessbrook River, an area distinguished by a mature belt of trees. It is important to note that a portion of this eastern riverside area lies within a designated floodplain.
In terms of its surroundings, the site is bordered by the A1 dual carriageway to the west. To the south, it neighbours the Shelbourne Car Showroom complex and the Bracken Grove residential area. East of the site, across the Bessbrook River, there are areas of open space leading to the A27 link road and a blend of residential and industrial properties. To the north, the site is adjacent to an approved Strategic Roadside Services Facility (Maxol), with open countryside extending beyond. This strategic 'edge-of-settlement' location places the development advantageously close to Newry City, the A1, Carnbane Industrial Estate, and Warrenpoint Port, optimising its role as a key hub.
SITE PROPOSALS
This proposal outlines the development of a Cross-Border Mixed Logistics and Business Hub, strategically designed to leverage Newry's unique border location and its excellent connectivity to the A1 dual carriageway and Warrenpoint Port. This hub is envisioned to provide crucial infrastructure for the rapidly evolving logistics sector and offer versatile spaces for a variety of businesses with cross-border operations, fostering economic growth in the region.
At the heart of the development will be a substantial HGV lorry park, featuring a dedicated HGV Drivers Services Building to provide essential amenities for drivers. Complementing this, the hub will incorporate a diverse mix of commercial and industrial facilities, including modern Call Centre (B1) offices, flexible Light Industrial Units (B2), Industrial Units (B3), and a large-scale Storage and Distribution Warehouse (B4). Additionally, the proposal includes a Car Repair Business, a Car Showroom, and a convenient Café, enhancing the range of services available.
A significant infrastructural improvement will be the creation of a new service link road extending through the site. This road will connect the A28 Armagh Road with Shepherds Way (which links to the A27/Carnbane Industrial Estate), ensuring efficient and safe access for all traffic, particularly HGVs. The overall layout has been carefully considered to integrate seamlessly with the approved Strategic Roadside Services Facility (Maxol) immediately to the north of the site.
The design approach prioritises the responsible use of the existing site characteristics. The HGV lorry park is specifically located in an area above the Bessbrook River floodplain, and critically, site levels will not be raised, ensuring that the natural flood storage capacity of the area is fully maintained. Existing mature trees along the riverbank will be retained, providing important natural screening and visual amenity. Recognizing the site's previous institutional use and its location bordering the A1 and the established urban edge of Newry, the development aims to repurpose land that currently offers limited countryside amenity. Access will be managed via the existing entrance on the A28 Armagh Road and the new link road connection, designed to Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads standards. The existing graveyard located within the site boundaries will be respectfully preserved and maintained
BENEFITTING THE COMMUNITY
Reduces City Centre Traffic Congestion
By providing dedicated HGV parking, the hub will help reduce the number of lorries travelling through and parking in Newry City Centre, easing congestion for residents, shoppers, and local businesses.
Supports Warrenpoint Port and Local Trade
The facility will provide essential support for Warrenpoint Port, helping it manage increasing freight demands and potentially grow its services. This strengthens Newry's crucial role as a strategic gateway for trade
Provides New Infrastructure
A new service link road connecting the Armagh Road (A28) and Shepherds Way (leading towards the A27/Carnbane) will be built, improving local connectivity for all road users.
Generates Income for Local Services
Once operational, the businesses within the hub will contribute significant rates payments to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, providing valuable funding for essential local public services.
CONSULTATION EVENT
We are conducting a Pre-Application Community Consultation for the proposal. An in-person drop-in event will be held at the Canal Court Hotel, Merchants Quay, Newry BT35 8HF on Thursday 27th November 2025 from 2pm to 7pm to allow interested parties to view the display boards for the proposal and provide feedback. Members of the consultation team will attend the event to answer any questions that local residents and businesses may have, and to collect feedback on the proposal.
The purpose of this consultation is to share our indicative proposals for the Cross Border Mixed Logistics and Business Hub with the community and other interested parties.
This notice does not relate to a planning application. Comments should not be made to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Any comments made to the prospective applicant are not representations to the planning authority. If a planning application is subsequently submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, normal neighbour notification and publicity will be undertaken at that time and you will have the opportunity to make formal representation regarding the proposal at that time.
We are committed to engaging with members of the wider community and are now undertaking a period of pre-application community consultation (PACC) on our proposals.
The feedback received will be shared with the design team and will help to shape our proposals prior to the submission of a planning application. We will prepare a Pre-Application Community Consultation Report which will provide a summary of all feedback, our response and how we have incorporated any appropriate feedback into the final proposals for the scheme. This report will be submitted as part of the Full Planning Application to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PRESENTATION BOARDS
Leaflets
Information leaflets have been delivered to all residents and businesses within a 200m radius of the site. This letter included information on the development and details of the in-person event as well as contact information for the consultation manager.
Contact Us
Speak to us
Visit us at https://www.clarman.com/
Get in touch with the team via email at cm@clarman.com
Alternatively if you wish to make comments on the proposal, you can also do so in writing by sending a letter to :
Clarman Architects
Unit 1
33 Dungannon Road
Coalisland
BT 71 4HP
Or why not give us a call on 028 8774 7900
Hours
Open today | 09:00 – 17:00 |
