Other News In Brief

Police Appeal For Witnesses To Belfast Assault

Police in Belfast are appealing to anyone who witnessed an alleged assault last month.

A woman has reported that she was assaulted and injured after being set upon by a number of females opposite the Falls Leisure Centre on Monday 18 March 2019.

The incident happened at approximately 2.30am.

Anyone who witnessed the altercation is urged to call 101, quoting reference number 20/03/19.

Portrush Events Space Gains Planning Approval

An events space at West Bay Portrush, that can also be used for temporary parking, has been granted planning approval.

The project will receive £117,000 as part of the Department's £17 million Portrush Regeneration Programme and will complement other work being carried out ahead of the 148th Open this July.

A run-down and sunken seating area will be transformed into a useable grass-covered events space that can also be used for parking, while a second seating area is to be refurbished into an accessible and pleasant spot to sit and relax.

The project was approved at a Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council Planning Committee meeting on Monday 01 April 2019.

Mark O'Donnell from the Department for Communities welcomed the news, saying: "This investment will help create a large events space that will also be used for temporary parking during the 148th Open and if necessary during other major events.  The improvements at West Bay will also provide a lasting legacy for Portrush and is the latest example of the ongoing collaboration between the Department for Communities and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in delivering the £17m Portrush Regeneration Programme."

Progress For Regeneration Of Newry City Centre

A £20 million regeneration project in Newry city centre has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a design team.

Hamilton Architects will deliver the design works, which will see the construction of a new theatre/conference facility and a civic hub alongside public realm in Newry City.

The multi-disciplinary teams include Edmond Shipway as project managers & quantity surveyors, RPS Ireland as civil & structural engineers and Troup Bywater & Anders as mechanical & electrical engineers.

The development forms part of the Belfast City Region Deal infrastructure project.

Construction of the theatre/conference facility and civic hub projects scheduled to commence in mid-2020, subject to various statutory approvals and securing contractor teams.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said: "I am delighted to hear that Hamilton Architects have been selected as the designers for Newry's new Theatre/Conference facility and Civic Hub projects. I look forward to seeing their proposals that will help to regenerate our city for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors."



(JG)