THREE KEY POINTS
- What is happening: A full planning application has been lodged for a proposed multi-sports hub at St Mark’s High School, including a 3G playing surface, sports pavilion, floodlighting, spectator stands and associated works.
- Where and when: The proposed location is St Mark’s High School, 35 Upper Dromore Road, Warrenpoint, BT34 3PN. Application LA07/2026/1310/F was received on 22 October 2026.
- Who it affects: Pupils, local sports clubs, nearby residents and other members of the community interested in the planned facilities or the planning process.
The application describes an upgrade of the existing school playing field to provide a 3G all-weather playing surface, a new sports pavilion, floodlighting, perimeter fencing, a path around the site, spectator stands, ball-stop measures and associated site works.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council announced its partnership with St Mark’s in January 2026. The council said the proposed facility was intended to support both school sport and wider community use, including demand from Gaelic games, football and rugby clubs. Earlier proposal-of-application notices preceded the full application now recorded.
Planning permission has not been confirmed. A full application being lodged or marked valid means it has entered the planning process; it does not mean the development has been approved, funded in full or given a construction start date. Anyone seeking the latest status, documents or information about representations should search the official Northern Ireland Planning Register using reference LA07/2026/1310/F.
Original sources
View Official Source — Northern Ireland Planning Register (search for LA07/2026/1310/F).
View Council Announcement — NMDDC and St Mark’s partnership, 19 January 2026.
View application details — independent PlanningNI listing.
Image: Original editorial illustration created for The South Down Brief. It does not depict the actual school site or any approved design. Application information checked on 5 November 2026.
