A sod cutting ceremony has marked the official start of construction work on the Dunleath Urban Sports Park, paving the way for a cutting-edge skatepark and pump track.

The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council project is supported by major funding from the Department for Communities (DfC) with up to £439,032.28 allocated by them towards the project, with the Council contributing an additional £74,527.61. This combined investment of £513,559.89 will deliver state-of-the-art facilities to Downpatrick, designed to enhance community health and wellbeing while revitalising the local area.

The project will be constructed by civil engineering and construction firm CivCo Ltd. The development will feature an 80-metre pump track (approximated), incorporating a dynamic series of banked turns and undulations, alongside a state-of-the-art 400m² skatepark. The skatepark will include ramps and grind rails as trick features, offering an exciting and modern space for urban sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said, “My department has been pleased to provide significant funding for the Dunleath Urban Sports Park. This exciting addition to the sporting landscape of Downpatrick will provide a dynamic new space that supports health, community, and economic growth in the area.”

Chair of Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group (DRWG), Mal McGrady said, “The DRWG is delighted with this significant marker made in relation to one of our identified key projects — the pump track/skate park project at Dunleath Park. This project has been in the planning process for some time now and we are delighted to be able to ‘cut the sod’ in the current financial year. This is one of many ongoing projects that the DRWG have collaborated on with the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District along with other Government agencies. On the back of the flood recovery scheme and infrastructure renewal projects we are beginning to see improvements in Downpatrick Town Centre which we hope will be pleasing to both residents and visitors alike.

This particular project will provide a much-needed outlet for our youth to avail of additional sport and recreation facilities and hopefully support mental and physical well-being. The Downpatrick Regeneration Group is actively involved in a number of other key projects which it is hoped will be delivered in the next financial year.”