Northern Ireland Planning Service

Ards and Down Area Plan 2015
Down District: Downpatrick Open Space and Recreation

Down District Council owns and manages a variety of active and passive recreational areas throughout Downpatrick. Dunleath Park, which also accommodates the Downpatrick Leisure Centre, is a prominent example. Large areas of amenity space are associated with private sports clubs, for example the golf club, cricket club and bowling clubs. Down District Council has confirmed its intention in principle to build a new leisure facility in Downpatrick.
The Quoile Nature Reserve to the north of the town is an important and sensitive area of conservation and recreation. The opportunity exists to enhance links between the Quoile area and the Town Centre. Other areas of amenity open space are located at the Town Park and at The Grove, adjacent to Down Cathedral and the St Patrick’s Heritage Centre. Down District Council proposes to acquire additional land adjacent to Pemberton Park to add to the existing Town Park.
A number of elevated open spaces are local landmarks with the potential to provide formal viewpoints linked to recreation facilities.
Proposal DK 21 Existing Amenity Open Space and Recreation
The following areas of existing amenity open space and recreation use are designated in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 8 (PPS 8): Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation and as indicated on Map No. 3/002a, Downpatrick Settlement Map.

Active Open Space

  • Dunleath Park: Playing fields
  • Model Farm: Playground
  • Killough Road: Playground
  • Meadowlands: Playground
  • Meadowlands: Kickabout pitch/recreation area
  • Marian Park: Playground
  • Upper Scotch Street: Playground
  • Ardmore Avenue: Playground
  • Knocknashinna Road: Playground
  • Knocknashinna Road: Kickabout Pitch/Recreation Area
  • Oriel Drive: Playground
  • Strangford Road: Cricket Grounds
  • Old Belfast Road: Bowling Green
  • Strangford Road: Hockey Pitch
  • Stream Street: Bowling Green
  • Old Course Road: Gaelic Pitch
  • Strangford Road: Golf Course

Amenity Open Space

  • Stream Street: Town park
  • Model Farm: Kickabout/recreation area
  • Killough Road: Kickabout/recreation area
  • Killough Road/Ballynoe Road: Recreation area
  • New Bridge Street: Park
  • The Grove: Recreation area
  • Gallows Hill: Recreation area
  • Vianstown Park: Recreation area
  • Killough Road: Recreation area
  • Oriel Drive: Recreation area
Proposal DK 22 Proposed Amenity Open Space and Recreation
The following areas of proposed amenity open space and recreation use are designated in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 8 (PPS 8): Open Space, Sport and Outdoor Recreation and as indicated on Map No. 3/002a, Downpatrick Settlement Map.
  • Lands at Pemberton Park
    1 hectare of land behind Pemberton Park is identified as proposed amenity open space and recreation. Down District Council is committed to the development of this area as an extension to the existing Town Park;
  • Lands at Sampson’s Stone
    8.12 hectares of land are identified in the Sampson’s Stone area north of Model Farm estate for development of a Wilderness Park to include walks, picnic areas and views with pathway links to housing estates and schools. Down District Council is committed to the provision of this amenity area;
  • Land within The Meadows development
    comprising an existing wetland area these lands comprise part of the identified housing area Proposal DK 02;
  • Lands to the north of Ballyhornan Road
    comprising elevated lands and wetland areas adjoining or within the identified housing area Proposal DK 07;
  • Lands east of Rathkeltair Road and north of Ardenlee Gardens
    comprising prominent lands adjoining or within the identified housing area Proposal DK 08; and
  • Lands at the junction of Ballyhornan and Struell Wells Road
    comprising elevated lands adjoining the identified housing area Proposal DK 12.
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