During a visit to the city, the Minister announced that Newmarket Street and Linenhall Street are to receive a major upgrade costing £1million. She also announced a £1.5million award in Urban Development Grants to three key redevelopment schemes in the city centre.
Speaking during a walkabout in the city, she said: “I was in Derry in May to launch the initial designs for the £8 million transformation of Waterloo Place & Guildhall Square. My announcement today reflects the pace of change within the city centre, with the creation of high quality public spaces and the redevelopment of key buildings demonstrating Derry’s confidence in its future.”
Significant improvements are planned to the two streets including realignment and resurfacing of the roadway; upgrading of footpaths using high quality materials complemented by attractive landscaping, new lighting and street furniture. The scheme will be completed by specially-commissioned street art reflecting Derry’s history and status.
The Minister also announced the appointment of FP McCann Ltd as the main contractor for the Newmarket / Linenhall scheme, which is due to be completed in February 2008.
Complementing this scheme will be improvements to city centre buildings. Ms Ritchie said that three buildings in the city centre, including the well-known Northern Counties Building, will be redeveloped and a new building constructed at a vacant site in Pennyburn.
Emphasising the important role that Urban Development Grants play in regenerating areas of dereliction, the Minister said: “These three projects are being undertaken at a total cost of over £9million and have the potential to create 260 jobs for Derry.
“Urban Development Grants have been used to support over 700 properties and sites in Derry city centre emphasising my commitment, and that of the North West Development Office, to the regeneration of the city.
“Good urban design is creating substantial economic value for Derry city centre. My Department has already announced a £23million design-led development scheme on the site of the former city hotel in Foyle Street that will create up to 400 new jobs and bring high quality hotel and residential accommodation together with new retail offerings to the heart of the city.
“The Northern Counties will be revitalised at a cost of £3.7million and will create a second flagship building and both developments will be linked by well designed streets and public spaces that will be the focus of urban vitality.”
Referring to her Department’s continuing investment in Derry, the Minister said: “The North West Development Office plays a key role in the regeneration of the city and has been working hard to implement the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.
“Since last April, Neighbourhood Renewal funding for organisations in Derry has now topped £3million. This is much-needed funding to organisations providing key services to some of the most deprived communities. This money, and the work being done by NWDO, is making a big difference to the lives of people living in the four Neighbourhood Renewal areas in the city."
The Minister’s itinerary also included a tour of the Fort George and Ebrington Barracks sites where she was apprised of development plans by ILEX Chief Executive, Bill Kirk. She also visited Sevenoaks and Strand Foyer two specialist housing schemes developed by North West Housing and Fold Housing Associations.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Artist’s impressions of the plans for Newmarket St & Linenhall St can be downloaded at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/newmarket-linenhall-pics
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office 028 9082 9078 / Jim Hamilton 07887 682272.
3. Urban Development Grants. The buildings to be redeveloped are:
Pennyburn office building
L&L Investments is to construct a 1900 sq metre, three storey office building on a derelict site. Work has commenced on the scheme and is due for completion in 2008.
Job creation: estimated 25-35 jobs during construction and further 150 jobs within one year of completion
Grant: £559,745 towards total development costs of £2.9 million
Redevelopments at Pump Street and Ferryquay Street
S & PS Fashions will redevelop a vacant listed building at Pump Street and replace a single storey shop on Ferryquay Street. The two buildings will provide four floors of retail and storage/office accommodation. Work has commenced and is due for completion in early 2008.
Job creation: 11 new jobs and sustain a further four jobs
Grant: £352,450 towards total development costs of over £2.5 million
Northern Counties Building
This strategically important building will be redeveloped and extended by developer John Doran. Dating from the 1890s but currently dilapidated, this scheme will make a major contribution to the ongoing regeneration of the Guildhall Square/Waterloo Place area, where DSD is undertaking the £8 million public space scheme and £23 million redevelopment at Foyle Street. Work will commence soon and is scheduled for completion in December 2008/January 2009.
Job creation: 96 jobs, of which 80 full time
Grant: £600,000 towards total development costs of £3.7 million
4. The four Neighbourhood Renewal areas in Derry and the amounts allocated are:
Triax £735,000
Outer North £655,000
Outer West £677,000
Waterside £715,000
In addition groups that provide services across all four areas received £298,000.
5. The Strand Foyer offers 48 self contained flats, catering for 16 – 25 year olds needing accommodation and support.
