Clanmil Housing has officially opened its new Merchants Quay development in the heart of Newry.

Councillor Philip Campbell, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, joined residents at a Christmas themed celebration event marking the official opening of the new homes. Residents and guests enjoyed festive treats, a visit to Santa’s grotto, and fresh wood fired pizza, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere as the community came together.

Located within the Newry Conservation Area and overlooking the canal, Merchants Quay delivers 38 new apartments, including 29 social homes and 9 private rental home. The total cost of the new homes was £6.2m including grant funding of £2.9m from the Department for Communities through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The development brings much needed regeneration and new housing to the city. More than 3,300 people across the district are currently in need of affordable housing, and the scheme represents an important addition to local supply.

Built in partnership with Kelly Brothers and MDF Architecture, the homes meet Lifetime Homes and Secure by Design standards, supporting accessibility, safety and long-term adaptability. The development includes an attractive first floor outdoor communal area designed to encourage connection and community among residents.

Councillor Philip Campbell, Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said:

“I am delighted to officially open Merchants Quay and to meet the residents who are now calling this beautiful development their home. This scheme brings high quality housing right into the heart of Newry and represents a real investment in our people. It is wonderful to celebrate this milestone with such a festive community event today. I wish all the residents many happy years here and I commend Clanmil and all involved for delivering such an impressive development.”

Jan Sloan, Executive Director of Development and New Business at Clanmil, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Councillor Campbell and so many of our new customers to celebrate the opening of Merchants Quay. This development reflects Clanmil’s commitment to providing high quality homes for people to live well, while helping to meet the significant housing need in the Newry area. The design and location of Merchants Quay make it a very special place. Our teams have been working closely with residents as they settle in, and it has been lovely to bring everyone together today for a Christmas celebration that reflects the warm, welcoming community that is already growing here.”

Resident Aidan Fearon added:

“Moving to Merchants Quay has been a huge step forward for me. After five years on the waiting list and staying with my elderly mum, having a place of my own feels amazing. The apartment is modern, warm and really well designed, and the community here is already so welcoming. Today’s Christmas event was a great chance to meet neighbours, and I’m looking forward to building my independence with the help of tenancy support. I already feel at home here.”

Merchants Quay was completed in May 2025 and provides a mix of one and two bedroom apartments, each designed with energy efficiency, comfort and longevity in mind. The scheme brings back to life a key site in the city centre and demonstrates the impact of partnerships between housing associations, local authorities and the wider construction and design team.