The changing... or not so changing landscape of Craigavon and Primark Calling!
This week saw three significant events in Craigavon. The first was the news on Tuesday morning that Rushmere Shopping Centre had been sold in what is reported to be the "biggest commercial sale in Northern Ireland this year"
Going from our social media feed it seems rather a lot of people want to see the return of the good old fashioned book store.. we grin with delight..
Barbara Anne Sherwin "Bookshop 📚 I miss Easons".
Joanne Kilic" Waterstones would be my dream"
Stephen Loughran "HMV and the book shop (Waterstones or Eason)"
Peter McMurray "Waterstones or other similar bookshop"
Some other ideas were a gluten free café, Dunelm, Pulling bear but for one reader Kevin Vallely, it's the simple pleasures in life "The train from Armagh"
The second was that neighbouring Craigavon City Park has been saved. It's been a long and controversial battle between the Save Craigavon City Park and Lakes group and SRC but ruling in favour of the campaigners SRC has now been told that Senior Judges in the Appeal Court found the council’s decision to grant planning permission was “unsustainable in law”, according to the BBC. Read the full story here
The third is a belter... December 16 is the date!! Primark Opens at Rushmere Shopping Centre! After all, what's Christmas without your favourite pair of fluffy PJ's! .... but I wonder how long the queues will be?
Don't forget you can also comment directly on our website for those of you who are social media shy. Here's how to do it
In the headlines
Men's fashion outlet, McQuillan’s Menswear has reassured customers that it is not quitting the town or William Street as it looks forward to celebrating 60 years in business in 2023. Proposals have been drawn up for redevelopment of the prominent property on William Street and if current plans are approved the store will get a new lease of life and looks set to be smiling from ear to ear (we know buildings don't have ears)
It's all happening in Crossmaglen as Newry Council has been told if it does not agree to change a requirement preventing a small number of houses being built then a multi-million investment - and major employment boost will be lost and the land remain undeveloped.
‘I felt a weight lift off my shoulders’ as former Lord Mayor steps away from elected politics - Darryn Causby speaks out!
You may have caught our additional newsletter which was sent out yesterday with the breaking story that a man who murdered his then girlfriend’s 11-month old baby in Keady has been told he must spend at least 13 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole.
Whilst we apologise for the extra newsletter in the week, we felt that our duty as a news platform lent itself to cover this heartbreaking story. It goes without saying that our thoughts are with the McGleenon family.
Best friend of tragic Portadown dad Aaron O’Neill fulfilling promise to look after family
A decision to refuse permission for a luxury multi-million pound hotel and spa at Kilkeel – which would create around 70 jobs – has been overturned.
Man and woman killed in Castleblayney collision while third woman fighting for life
Man accused of robbing Post Office and service station because he ‘owes significant amount of money’
Idea of safe swimming zones at Oxford Island ‘pushed onto individuals and groups to pursue for themselves’
Teacher appears in court on charges of inappropriate relationship with pupil
Reader news
This week we heard from Joan Muldrew who shared some lovely news with us. On December 20, 2022 Joan and her husband David will celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Together the couple have 5 children, one of whom was the only student in 100 years of SRC Armagh to attend Oxford University in England. With most of their children now in other countries 2 in USA, 1 in England and 2 in Northern Ireland. To celebrate their 40th Anniversary they will be jetting off to the USA to celebrate it with some of their children. "40 very happy years with many ups and downs. We are delighted to get to 40 years which sadly many don't see. God has been our guide through these many years together" We wish you many more years of happiness!
If you have a special occasion that you’d like to share with us in this newsletter, please let us know. Whether it is a wedding, graduation, birthday, anniversary, new-born, we’d love to share. Simply let us know here.
New business
‘Beautiful dream’ now a reality as Alora Rejuvenation opens in Armagh — armaghi.com
Cinema ticket giveaway
Back by popular demand is our weekly cinema ticket giveaway in conjunction with Omniplex Cinemas Shhh, it's exclusive to newsletter readers only! Enter here!
It is Halloween after all...
We aren't assumed! We love a bit a of top tapping, thigh slapping ho-down and November 17 is the perfect opportunity as Armagh City Hotel play host to the Elite Country Music Awards.
In Tuesday's edition we will have another exclusive giveaway, this time most Christmas themed, you won't want to miss it!
Road traffic regulations
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has received an application from BNL Production Ltd to hold a Christmas Lights Switch-On and Twilight Market on Friday November 18, 2022 in Portadown, as well as a Christmas Light Switch-On and Twilight Market on the Plaza, Market Street, Lurgan on Saturday November 19, 2022. Also BNL have made an application to hold a Christmas Light Switch-On and Twilight Market on Saturday December 3, 2022 on Market Square, Dromore as well as on Friday November 25, 2022 in locations across Banbridge. Copies of the application may be inspected free of charge at Banbridge Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge, BT32 3JY as well as Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre, Lakeview Road, Craigavon, BT64 1AL
Tyrone I
The "strangest things" happened in Fermanagh and Omagh as the Council cancelled Halloween. Read more here
Plans for a multi-million replacement school for Dungannon Integrated College will be unveiled to the public next month. The new-build has been some years in the pipeline but it now seems set to proceed.
The benevolent Lauren’s Legacy, initiated by Lauren's loving family, has been developed to help “fulfil some of her ambitions and keep her dreams alive” all the while providing much needed funds to charitable causes that were close to her heart. Read more here
