The Minister wanted to see at first hand how funding from her Department was benefitting the North West.
Margaret Ritchie was given a tour of the facilities at Older People North West (formerly known as Age Concern) in Malvern House on Chapel Road. She met staff and customers. Older People North West provides a programme of services and activities to meet the needs of older people, particularly those who feel isolated and lonely.
The Minister then viewed progress on the £8million Derry City Centre Public Realm project. The scheme, when completed in May 2010, will create a series of high quality vibrant public spaces and streetscapes in Waterloo Place/Guildhall Square and surrounding streets. It will also incorporate a controlled traffic route through the existing pedestrian zone.
While in this area she viewed the refurbishment of the Northern Counties Building which is now nearing completion. The building consists of retail units on the ground floor and office accommodation on the upper floors. To date two tenants have been secured. One retailer is already trading in the building and the lease on a further unit has been agreed. There is a high level of interest in the office accommodation. The Department has provided Urban Development Grant funding of £600,000 towards the £3.6million extension and refurbishment of this prominent listed building
Margaret Ritchie also visited the new Pennyburn Credit Union office in Ballymagroarty. She met the Chairman, staff and the project architect. The Department provided an Urban Development Grant of £217,000 towards total project costs of £1.2million.
During her visit Margaret Ritchie said: “Today I saw examples of projects that are benefiting people living in some of our most deprived and disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The projects at Older People North West and the new Credit Union in Ballymagroarty are helping to address a range of issues. These include isolation and debt management, which impact negatively on considerable numbers of people in our society.”
“My Department also continues to be committed to high quality urban design. The extension and refurbishment of the Northern Counties Building is an excellent example of what can be done to sensitively restore a structure that is part of the fabric of the city but was in danger of being lost. Its refurbishment is contributing to the overall regeneration of the historic heart of Derry. It is heartening that the private sector is responding positively to the Department’s investment by establishing new businesses in the restored Northern Counties building."
Notes to Editors:
- The Older People North West Offices benefitted from £250,000 Neighbourhood Renewal funding for capital build, furnishings and staffing costs.
- The Department for Social Development is providing £8million for the Derry City Centre Public Ream scheme.
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976 894. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and you call will be returned.
