FP McCann Ltd, who are currently completing an environmental improvement scheme at Newmarket Street will now begin preparations for construction of the £7million Guildhall Square/ Waterloo Place public realm scheme.
Commenting on the announcement the Minister said: “This is exciting news for the people of Derry City. This multi-million pound scheme is by far the most significant investment ever made in public spaces within the city centre and it will entail detailed construction and engineering work including the installation of impressive new water features in Guildhall Square, specially created public art works and a striking canopy structure in Waterloo Place.”
In August the contractor will begin a package of preliminary enabling works for the scheme. The construction project is expected to take 17 months and will be completed in spring 2010.
The announcement has also been welcomed by the Chairman of the City Centre Initiative and local businessman, Brendan Duddy. Mr Duddy said: “This is a major boost for the local business community operating within Waterloo Place and represents further evidence of growing confidence in this city. I want to congratulate the Minister and her officials in the North West Development Office for their continued support and investment in the regeneration of our city centre.”
Throughout the construction period FP McCann Ltd will operate an office in the city to house the Construction Manager and his team. This will facilitate communication channels with business and property owners ensuring minimal disruption during the construction activities.
The Minister also added that a public exhibition of the scheme’s proposals will go on display in late summer and will remain in place throughout the construction period. A CD containing the exhibition images and video fly-through of the scheme will also be available.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Department for Social Development appointed international design consultants BDP to design and implement a public realm scheme for the Guildhall Square/Waterloo Place area of Derry which is expected to cost up to £8million.
- FP McCann Ltd has now been appointed by the Department to implement the scheme. FP McCann Ltd is currently completing the DSD environmental improvement scheme at Newmarket St in Derry. Their previous public realm experience includes Custom House Square and Lower Chichester St in Belfast.
- The planning application for the scheme was discussed at Derry City Council’s Planning Committee meeting on 1 July 2008 and supported by Councillors.
- The construction of the scheme is expected to take 17 months and will be completed in spring 2010.
- The scheme will create a series of high quality public spaces and streetscapes running from Waterloo Place through Guildhall Square to the new development at the DSD owned former City Hotel site at Foyle Street. It will create a modern, vibrant urban landscape incorporating a controlled traffic route through the existing pedestrian zone.
- Media enquiries to Helen Mulholland, DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
