Major new fun centre for Newry Ulster

By Laurence White

07 November 2005

A swish new entertainment venue is due to open shortly in Newry.
Built at Merchants Quay on the site of the former Savoy Cinema and Cupid's nightclub, the as yet unnamed new facility represents a huge financial investment.
The three-storey building was erected in 2001 to include a bar and entertainment facilities, but was bought over at the beginning of this year and an extensive renovation programme was begun.
The interior has been completely restructured and redesigned and there have been major architectural changes to the exterior of the building.
Mark Matthews from Hilltown, one of the directors of the new facility, said: "We believe this development will be a major factor in the rejuvenation of Merchants Quay and Monaghan Street and surrounding area.
"We also believe that the facility will add to Newry's reputation and will attract people from a wide area. Improved road links between Belfast and Dublin make Newry more accessible from these large population centres."
Currently the owners, who are also involved in Walsh's Hotel in Co Derry, are looking to recruit staff for the new venue.
They are also running a competition to find suitable names for the premises, its bar, restaurant, banqueting facilities and nightclub.
The winners will get either a luxury holiday in Venice or a trip to Disneyland in Paris.