Through the Neighbourhood Renewal programme, we continued to provide practical support to local communities in areas of disadvantage throughout Newry City and have assisted them with community activities, funding applications and compliance and good governance.
In June 2003, Government launched Neighbourhood Renewal – People and Place. Neighbourhoods in the most deprived 10% of wards across Northern Ireland were identified using the Noble Multiple Deprivation Measure. The Neighbourhood Renewal (NR) programme aims to close the gap between deprived communities and the wider society through long-term, coordinated intervention. The programme focuses on four main areas of renewal:
Neighbourhood Partnerships have been established in each Neighbourhood Renewal Area as a vehicle for local planning and implementation. The Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership includes representatives from the nine NR Community Associations, the Department for Communities, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, NI Housing Executive, Education Authority, the Confederation of Community Groups, Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency, the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, Community Restorative Justice, and the PSNI as active stakeholders. Together, they have developed long term visions and action plans designed to improve the quality of life for those living in the area.
In Newry, the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership has worked to create a safer, more connected, and economically vibrant community, with active participation from residents and organisations. The programme has supported education, healthy lifestyles, and economic development while addressing persistent deprivation affecting around one-third of the population.
Overall, the NR Programme represents a long-term, collaborative approach to tackling deprivation, combining government support, local partnerships, and community engagement to improve quality of life across Northern Ireland’s most disadvantaged areas.
The CCG manage the community development support and capacity building element of the NR programme on behalf of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. We work collaboratively with all stakeholders and actively engage across the NR areas to support the development and growth of local communities.
In Newry City the Neighbourhood Renewal area comprises all of Newry City west of the Newry Canal, known as Newry West, as well as a small area in the eastern inner city; over 10,000 people lives across this area. This overall area brings together nine distinct communities across the city, each with its own identity, strengths and active community networks.
Barcroft – A well-established residential community close to Newry city centre who manage a council owned community Centre. They have a strong sense of identity and a long tradition of community involvement.
Ballybot – One of Newry’s historic inner-city communities, with a rich local heritage and strong connections to the wider city.
Carnagat – A large residential community in Newry who run a Community House provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, They have an active community network providing opportunities and activities for local people.
Derrybeg – A close-knit residential community with a proud local identity and a strong history of residents working together to improve their area. They manage a council-owned community centre in the heart of their area.
Drumalane & Quayside Close – A diverse community incorporating Drumalane park, Quayside Close are surrounding areas, with residents working together to strengthen community connections and improve their neighbourhood.
Greater Linenhall – An established inner-city community where local organisations and residents work together to support families and encourage community participation. Their Community House is funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and managed by their strong team of volunteers.
Martin’s Lane – A smaller, established community close to Newry city centre, characterised by strong local connections and community spirit. In the absence of a community centre, the association utilise a neighbouring school for community meetings and events.
Meadow & Armagh Road – A residential community encompassing the Meadow and Armagh Road areas, with a strong focus on supporting residents and creating opportunities for local involvement. The community association manage a large council owned centre which is a hive of activity for generations within the area.
Threeways – A vibrant community with an established community centre providing activities, services and opportunities for residents of different ages.
Together, these nine areas represent the needs of their communities at the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, working collaboratively to help address local needs, strengthen communities and improve quality of life across Newry.
