Peter Murray Retires After 38 Years – 05/06/2026

Buttercrane Shopping Centre Manager Peter Murray Retires After 38 Years

Buttercrane Shopping Centre is marking the retirement of long-serving Centre Manager Peter Murray after more than 38 years of service.

Peter has played a central role in the story of Buttercrane since its early years, helping guide the centre through decades of change in retail and in Newry itself. Since opening in November 1988, Buttercrane has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s best-known shopping destinations and remains a key part of the city’s commercial life.

Located beside the historic Newry Canal, the centre was built on a site long associated with local commerce. When Buttercrane officially opened on 10 November 1988, it represented a major investment in Newry at a time of significant underinvestment and high unemployment. It brought the first modern town centre retail space to the city and helped lay the foundations for Newry’s development as a leading regional shopping destination.

Today, Buttercrane supports around 900 jobs, contributes approximately £13 million annually to the local economy and currently has an occupancy rate of 98 per cent. Current anchor tenants include LIDL, Sports Direct USC, Primark and Dunnes Stores.

Peter has overseen enormous change during his time at the centre and in the City during his time. He also saw many well-known high street names trade at Buttercrane over the years, including Wellworths, Stewarts Supermarkets, Connors Chemists, Options, Adams Childrenswear, Virgin Music, Etam, Chicago and Caroline Music.

Reflecting on his time at Buttercrane, Peter Murray said:

“Originally when we opened, we had two supermarkets, no mobile phone shops and a limited food and beverage offering. The 90s also offered significant challenges on both political and economic fronts, but we stayed the course and continued to adapt to what customers wanted.

It’s with a heavy heart I leave a job I truly loved. Buttercrane will always be a special place for me and I thank all those associated with the centre for their support, assistance and patronage over the years and wish them well going forward. The Centre will continue to flourish under new management as plans are in development for a major refurbishment in 2027.”

Andrew Givan, Director - Property Management with Lambert Smith Hampton said:

“Peter has played an integral role in the success and development of Buttercrane Shopping Centre. His deep knowledge of the centre, his unwavering support for retailers, and his strong relationships within the local business community have been central to Buttercrane’s continued strength and relevance. Peter has guided the centre through periods of significant change with calm leadership, integrity, and commitment, and his contribution leaves a lasting legacy. He will be greatly missed by colleagues, retailers, and partners alike, and we wish him every happiness in his well-earned retirement.”

Echoing that sentiment, Jim Whyte, Head of the Buttercrane Traders Committee and Sports Direct USC Manager said he sincerely wished him every happiness in this next chapter. Adding:

“Peter has made an outstanding contribution to Buttercrane Shopping Centre and to the wider Newry retail community over the past 38 years. His leadership, professionalism and commitment have helped shape the centre into the successful, modern retail destination it is today.

Peter’s retirement marks the end of an era for Buttercrane Shopping Centre, whose own story reflects the changing face of the high street over the past three decades. His contribution leaves a lasting legacy at the heart of Newry.