The Belfast office of global engineering consultancy Arup will lead the project team, which includes TODD Architects, Gleeds and Tandem Design. The £44 million Mourne Mountains Gateway Project will feature a visitor centre at the Thomas Quarry site and a gondola experience, improving accessibility by providing a sustainable and efficient transport option from Donard Park to the centre.
The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council led project will deliver a world-class international visitor attraction, while developing sustainable travel infrastructure to connect residents and visitors to the Mourne Mountains.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byrne stated: "This visitor experience located in the mountains will give residents and visitors the opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the Mourne Mountains in an accessible and sustainable way,” Cllr Byrne said. “By protecting and enhancing the natural heritage of the region, we can create a sustainable, year-round tourism offering, which will help promote the growth of tourism in Newry, Mourne and Down, and Northern Ireland generally.
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"We believe the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project can position the district as one of the premier tourist destinations across the island of Ireland, and we are delighted to announce the appointment of an expert consultancy team led by Arup."
Ciaran McGarrity, Department for Economy Director, City Deals and Place, said: "The Department has been working closely with the Council to achieve confirmation of the £30 million from Belfast Region City Deal, a huge investment into tourism for the region. The appointment of an integrated consultancy team is another significant marker for this project."
David Algie, Director at Arup and head of the firm's Belfast office, added: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council on this landmark tourism project, and have appointed a best-in-class integrated consultancy team. Our combined wealth of knowledge and expertise will help deliver an inclusive, world-class project that respects and complements the natural beauty of the Mourne Mountains.
"We will adopt a highly sustainable approach to the design and delivery of this project ensuring that we thoughtfully manage environmental sensitivities. The design purpose will promote nature-based solutions and will embed regenerative and circular economy principles that will help deliver long-term social and economic benefits to Newcastle and the wider district."
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, said: "Tourism NI is pleased to see the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project reach this important milestone. The project will provide another ‘must see’ tourism offering for Northern Ireland and act as an anchor attraction for visitors who can then go on to explore the wider area.
"With the funding contract now in place, we look forward to working closely with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and partner organisations to further develop this ambitious project."
