More than 800 jobs could be created over the next two years in a retail and leisure development in the heart of Newry which is being described as one of the largest private sector investments ever in the North.

Roches Stores and Omniplex are expected to be among the tenants of the Quays development in Newry, along with the UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's. For Roches, it will be the first store to be opened north of the border. Work has already begun on the project, which is being built at the Albert Basin on the banks of Newry Canal, close to the town centre.

Secretary of State, Ms Mo Mowlam, described Newry as one of Northern Ireland's fastest-growing towns. She said that it was developments like the Quays which defined the region's new spirit.

The town's Buttercrane Centre has already proved a major draw to shoppers from south of the border, and it is hoped that the new development will do likewise.