Wilson visits construction projects in the North West

Continuing public sector investment in the North West plays a key role in transforming the UK City of Culture 2013, says Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson.

Speaking during a visit to Londonderry to assess progress on various ongoing construction projects, the Minister said: "This is an exciting time not only for the city but the region as a whole.

"Continuing public sector investment is making a significant contribution to the regeneration of Londonderry, despite the tightening public expenditure position."

Starting his visit at Ebrington Barracks, where he viewed the ongoing construction of the new £13.5million River Foyle Foot and Cycle Bridge, Minister Wilson said: "Development at Ebrington is an important element of the city’s regeneration. It will bring the site into public use and facilitate major mixed use proposals combining employment, tourism and residential development. Completion of the new iconic Foot and Cycle Bridge will help create an important link between the historic Walled City and the Victorian architecture of Ebrington."

Following visits to the restoration projects at St Columb’s Cathedral and First Derry and Claremont Presbyterian Church, key elements of the ‘Walled City’ Signature Tourism Project, Minister Wilson said “Completion of the £5million conservation work to these historically important buildings early next year will be another milestone in the delivery of the ‘Built Heritage Programme’, following earlier completion of the Playhouse Theatre."

During the final visit in Londonderry, Minister Wilson viewed the soon to be completed £8million City Centre Public Realm project from the City Walls.

Minister Wilson concluded: "The high quality, modern and vibrant urban landscape created through this scheme will provide an attractive environment in which to stage events as part of the 2013 UK City of Culture, generating the city and the region both culturally and economically for years to come."

Notes to editors:

1. The Ilex River Foyle Foot & Cycle Bridge, also known as the Peace Bridge, is the largest single regeneration project in Londonderry since the Foyle Bridge, some 30 years ago. The bridge is some 235m long, bank to bank, with two approach spans linking the bridge at one end to Guildhall Square, and at the other, to the central area of development at Ebrington. When completed, the 4m wide bridge deck will be supported from 30m high inclined masts located within the channel of the river. Graham Construction, Dromore is the main contractor for the new bridge which is scheduled for completion in the late Spring 2011.
2. The approximate construction cost of the bridge is £13.5million. Some £10million of this has been sourced from the Peace III Programme, under Priority 2.1 ‘Creating Shared Public Spaces’, which aims to support projects that address the legacy of segregated residential areas and separation of communities in their use of public space. The remainder is being provided by DSD and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in ROI. The bridge is one of the largest capital build projects to be funded under Peace III. Peace III is administered by the Special European Programmes Body (SEUPB).
3. St Columb’s Cathedral and First Derry & Claremont Presbyterian Church are two of the six most important historical buildings identified for restoration under Phase 2, Public Realm Built Heritage Programme. The proposals for First Derry & Claremont Presbyterian Church include an Interpretative Centre which will form part of a tourist trail along the City Walls. Both projects are being funded by the Churches, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Woodvale Construction Limited, Omagh is the main contractor for both projects.
4. The City Centre Public Realm scheme aims to create a high quality, modern and vibrant urban landscape that will support economic renewal. The much improved civic spaces will provide. The Public Realm project has an approximate value of £8million. The primary funder is DSD.
5. The construction works include the creation of a granite paved, pedestrian friendly environment and features innovative public art, signage, new tree planting, street furniture and pop-up power supplies for street traders and events. The works also include an impressive water feature consisting of four double rows of water jet fountains, incorporating LED lighting, outside the Guildhall. Construction commenced in January 2009 and is scheduled for completion in August 2010. F P McCann Limited, Magherafelt is the main contractor for the project.
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