Opportunities to Develop the Nighttime Economy in Newtownards Town Centre

Ards and North Down Borough Council have appointed The Paul Hogarth Company to carry out a study which identifies opportunities to develop the nighttime economy in Newtownards, around community led placemaking initiatives, boosting footfall, generating revenue and encouraging more people to spend time exploring the town centre in the evening.  

This aligns with Priority D of the Newtownards Masterplan - Streets for all. 

The review of the Masterplan, produced in 2023 outlined the following set of priorities and actions for Newtownards Town Centre to be delivered over the next 8 years:  

A - Grow the influence of the Square (Conway Square)  

B - Tackle hotspots  

C - A connected Town  

D - Streets for all  

E - Town centre citizen's hub  

  The review of Newtownards Masterplan can be viewed at  City and Town Masterplans - Ards and North Down Borough Council

 Priority D - Streets for all

The time is now for communities to reclaim town centre streets, creating a shift in focus to the people who are the real heart of the town. 

Get Involved 

The evening and nighttime economy in Newtownards has room for improvement. Like many town centres in Northern Ireland, footfall drops considerably into the evening. 
 
We would like your help to understand how people use the Newtownards Town Centre between 5pm and midnight, what are the current issues and future opportunities. 

Please share your local knowledge of Newtownards by completing our survey. This will help us shape a locally informed plan, which takes account of your opinions and ideas on how improvements to the nighttime economy could support local businesses, community and people. 

Please complete the survey by Sunday 22 March 2026 to ensure your voice is heard: Newtownards Night Time Study Survey

A public engagement drop-in session is being held on Tuesday 24 February 2026 in Ards Art Centre from 6-8pm. Please come along and share your views with the team.