The Grade B2 listed building on Hawkin Street, which is located on the edge of the City Centre and near to the Fountain Estate and City Walls, underwent a complete restoration, including the provision of a new two-storey extension to create approx. 3,000 sq.ft of high quality office accommodation.
In welcoming the completion of the project and its key physical and economic regeneration benefits, The Department of the Environment Minister, Arlene Foster, said: “This is a very important economic regeneration project led by the City Council here in Londonderry which will have positive benefits for the immediate area through bringing a vacant building back into productive use and creating additional employment space.
“On behalf of the Economy Minister I am very proud to be associated with providing financial support towards the development of this project.”
The Old City Fire Station Regeneration Project is identified as a key action with the Council’s Economic Development Plan.
The Mayor of Derry City Council, Alderman Drew Thompson said: “We are trying to support the growth of knowledge-based creative industries within the historic Walled City. This project is one of a number of initiatives which will add to, and enhance the natural cluster of creative industry facilities that exist within the Cathedral Quarter vicinity.
“I am sure that this project will also complement the ongoing regeneration of other buildings within the immediate vicinity and help to realise the potential of this part of the City Centre including the Fountain Estate.”
The total value of the project is c. £950,000 which has been part-financed by the Derry City Council through its Economic Development Plan and the Department for Enterprise Trade & Investment through the European Regional Development Fund Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme.
Notes to Editors:
- The event was also attended by The Mayor of Derry Alderman Drew Thompson, the Lord Mayor of London Alderman David Lewis and members of the local Fountain community.
- For all other enquiries contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
- There will be photo opportunities on Saturday 10 May at;
10.00am at St Columb’s Cathedral
10.45am at the Verbal Arts Centre in Bishop Street (adjacent to Bishop Gate)
12.25pm at the Old City Fire Station
