Council Seeks Development Proposals for Warrenpoint Baths

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is seeking development proposals for the historic Warrenpoint Baths as it begins an Expression of Interest (EOI) Process.

The development opportunity comes as part of the Council’s South East Coast Masterplan, which includes a number of regeneration initiatives in Warrenpoint, with the reopening of Warrenpoint Municipal Park in August 2018. That project, which was funded by the Council along with the Heritage Lottery Fund, restored the park to its previous Edwardian grandeur.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “Warrenpoint Baths is a notable part of the town’s history and is a prime location for development. The Council encourages all interested parties to make a submission to the Expression of Interest process.

“We believe that this development will add greatly to Warrenpoint’s attractions as a magnet for both tourism and business alike.”

The Warrenpoint Baths were originally built in 1907 and were popular for the next half century. Their heyday was in the 1950s and 1960s, with the increase in holiday makers coming to the seaside town. The Baths featured an original open air saltwater swimming pool, built in 1907, which was converted to a shallow boating pool in the early 1970s. Four round Edwardian kiosks still stand at the entrance from Seaview and at the north and west corners of the structure.

The Council has secured planning permission for a mixed use development on the Baths site and is now bringing the opportunity to the marketplace to explore how an ambitious regeneration project can be delivered.