Exciting times ahead for Derry - Ritchie launches draft masterplan for Fort George

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA, today launched for consultation a draft Masterplan for the future of Fort George in Derry.

This will be the biggest development in Derry for many years. It is a fourteen acre site and provides a major regeneration opportunity.

Future proposals include a mix of IT industry, innovative residential and office accommodation, education and leisure facilities and public space.

The Minister is keen to hear the views of local people in helping to shape the future of this site.

In announcing a period of public consultation on the draft Masterplan for this key site, which has been prepared by the urban regeneration company Ilex, Margaret Ritchie said:

“Exciting times lie ahead for Derry. My Department, Ilex, Derry City Council and others are working together to set a new agenda for regeneration in this city. In partnership with local people we can now unlock the enormous potential of the Fort George site and create a vibrant and attractive asset that delivers physical, social and economic regeneration.

“Today therefore, represents another major milestone in the regeneration of Derry. The draft Masterplan published by Ilex shows a range of exciting development possibilities for this important site which commands the northern gateway to city. These include a potential mix of technology/knowledge based industry, innovative office and residential accommodation, education, leisure and public space that could be accommodated in a new, exciting and sustainable urban environment of real presence. It is now important that the public are able to have a say in how the area is redeveloped in the future.”

The Department for Social Development acquired Fort George for regeneration purposes in 2004 and subsequently transferred responsibility for its development to Ilex. Officials in DSD’s North West Development Office have continued to liaise with and support Ilex throughout this Masterplanning process.

The Chairman of Ilex, Sir Roy McNulty said: “As a former shipyard established in the 1850s – and a site employing some 2600 by 1923 – Fort George played an important part in the city’s former economy. The proposed re-development of the site means that, once again, Fort George will secure significant levels of investment and employment numbers well in excess of those enjoyed in its heyday.”

Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson welcomed the opportunity for public involvement. “The landscape of the city will be significantly transformed through a series of regeneration initiatives and I would encourage everyone to participate in the Fort George consultation and help shape this city for future generations.”

The two month consultation exercise will include public meetings, question and answer sessions, and meetings with specific groups to ensure that as many people as possible have an opportunity to hear what is being proposed and to make their views known.

Emphasising the importance of the consultation process, the Minister said: “This draft Masterplan is intended to stimulate open discussion and debate. I want to hear the views of the widest possible cross-section of people with views on the development of the site. This will result in an inclusive approach to the redevelopment of Fort George that will respond to the needs of the city.”

While in the city the Minister visited Derry City Football Club and the Resource Centre Derry. She also met with Waterside Community Representatives and visited a range of projects in the area.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Fort George site was acquired by DSD in 2004 and transferred to the urban regeneration company Ilex for redevelopment.
2. The site comprises 14 acres providing a major regeneration opportunity within the central area of Derry.
3. A two month consultation period will take place following the launch of the Masterplan. Details of times, locations and formats will be available from Ilex separately.
4. The Minister launched the draft Masterplan for Fort George at 9.30am Thursday 6 December in the City Hotel Queen’s Quay Derry.
5. The draft Masterplan and feedback forms will be available on the Ilex Website at: www.Ilex-urc.org
6. Media enquiries to Philip Maguire Principal Information Officer DSD on 028 9082 9490 mobile 07788 108657. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.