Ritchie welcomes preservation of victorian buildings in Derry

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today viewed the £1.39million office redevelopment of Victorian buildings at Artillery Chambers in Derry.

The development contributes to the overall regeneration of the historic heart of Derry, while providing modern office accommodation.

Speaking at the visit Margaret Ritchie said: “My department has provided funding of £250,000 from its Urban Development Grant Programme towards the redevelopment of these Victorian buildings. They are an important part of the fabric of the city and were in danger of being demolished.

“The regeneration of these important buildings has stimulated further redevelopment in the area with work recently started on the nearby Playhouse.”

Philip Gilliland from solicitors Caldwell and Robinson who refurbished the building said: “Our building is not just about benefiting from all the advantages of purpose-built grade A office space in the city centre. Caldwell & Robinson is a progressive commercial and private client law firm that was founded in 1910 and has spent 97 years within Derry’s walls. We wanted our building to reflect and embody these values of marrying heritage with modernity and confidence. And I think the building has answered magnificently.”

During her visit to Derry the minister visited the House in the Wells, a refuge for homeless people with alcohol problems. She also visited the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Waterloo Place District Office.

Notes to Editors:

1. Artillery House: - This strategically important building on Artillery Street was purchased and refurbished by Caldwell and Robinson Solicitors. Dating from the 1870s the building was vacant and derelict for many years and in danger of being demolished. The Department for Social Development (DSD), through its Urban Development Grant Scheme provided funding of some £250,000 towards total project costs of £1.39million.
2. House in the Wells: - This scheme began as a community managed project for street drinkers in 1972 by occupying three derelict houses in the Bogside under the direction of the then Father Denis Bradley. North and West Housing provided a new replacement hostel in 1982 and began the direct management of the scheme a few years later. North and West secured £1.25million of Housing Association Grant from DSD in 2006 to renovate the building. Work was completed in July 2007 after a 12 month contract. Today the scheme provides care and support for 25 homeless men with chronic alcohol addiction under the direction of the Officer in Charge, Andy Bonner and his 13 members of staff.
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