NEWS

Buttercrane Shopping Centre celebrates 30 years in the heart of Newry City. First opening in November 1988, the centre represented a major investment in the City which was underinvested and had a high unemployment rate.
Peter Murray Centre Manager said,
“The Centre was home to some of Northern Ireland’s most famous high street brands which have disappeared in recent years such as Wellworths, Stewarts Supermarkets, Connors Chemists, Options, Adams Childrenswear, Virgin music, Etam, Chicago and Caroline Music.

“Change is always at the heart of the retail sector and as a Centre we continue to adapt, evolve and reinvent ourselves. We’re outward looking and progressive and that has stood the test of time.”
The centre now employs some 900 staff and contributes some £13M annually to the local economy.

Centre trading was positive in Buttercrane over the final quarter, specifically the Christmas period.
Peter Murray, Centre Manager reports: “Some stores performed particularly strongly and recording their best ever December trading figures in Buttercrane Centre, which is great news for the retailers concerned, Buttercrane Centre and indeed Newry itself. The impact of the Primark fire in Bank Buildings Belfast was felt widely by Belfast High Street traders but as a by product of that tragedy, many displaced Primark fans visited Buttercrane – as it is home to the largest Primark in NI at present,” Peter added.

The 19th Newry Business Annual Christmas Charity Dinner took place with over 600 guests in attendance in the Canal Court in December 18, raising an amazing £78,830 for 19 local charities. Recipients of the Dream Holiday were: Daisy Chapman from Dromintee Primary School; Calleigh Rodgers from Grange Primary School, Kilkeel; Clodagh and Niamh O’Donnell from St Mary’s Primary School in Ballyward and Ella Gribben from St Malachy’s Primary School in Castlewellan.

“Despite the cloud of Brexit, land sales remain undiminished, with transaction amounts rising reports Garry Best, Director of Land Sales, Best Property Services. Farmland continues to be a sound long-term investment and a shelter for some buyers from Inheritance Tax. The average sales figure of £14,500 shows a very positive 10% rise on the2017 average ,” Mr Best said.

Twilight Market is back, a feast for the senses in Newry Variety Market, Fri 2nd November. Part of the City of Merchants Celebrations.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s spooky and spectacular Hallowtides event will take place on Wednesday 31st October in Newcastle.