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It's all change at Waterloo - says Ritchie

Wednesday, 30 May 2007

Exciting plans to transform the historic heart of Derry were unveiled today by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie.

On her first official visit to the city, the Minister launched a major public consultation on the initial concept drawings for the £8 million project that will transform the appearance of Waterloo Place and Guildhall Square.

The Minister said: “Well designed streets, squares, pavements and public spaces are crucial to creating a positive image of an impressive city centre. BDP has produced exciting proposals which have the potential to reshape Derry city centre. However, I believe that design is not just about visual aesthetics – our plans must also appeal to the people of Derry, investors and visitors alike.

“A good public space is best described as one that is full of people, a place that tempts those people to slow down, to stop, to chat or simply to watch the world go by, a place that enriches the lives of those who use it.

“That is why we are inviting the public to view and comment on the initial designs. We want people to see and understand what is being planned. This is their city and their views are important. I hope that many people will look at this vision for the future of the city centre and let us have their comments.

“We have already listened to the views of local traders on the need for improved vehicle access at Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place, and I would now encourage the wider public to take this opportunity to examine the proposals and have their say during the consultation period.”

During her visit, the Minister also confirmed £500,000 funding for Derry City Council towards the provision of a synthetic sports pitch at St Columb’s Park. The Council plans to develop a multi-million pound sports campus comprising sporting centres of excellence and leisure and social facilities at the Park, which will act as a strategic link between the Clooney and Ebrington sites.

She met the Mayor, Councillor Helen Quigley, Mark Durkan MP MLA and Council members and business representatives at the Guildhall before visiting the Park.

The Minister said: “During my discussions today I have been struck by the absolute commitment from everyone to working together for the future of Derry.

“There is a lot of exciting regeneration happening in the city at present. This is clear evidence of what can be achieved if we act constructively and work in partnership. The proposals for Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place will complement other work ongoing or planned in the city including the £23 million scheme for the site of the former City Hotel in Foyle Street and the major redevelopment of land at Clooney, Ebrington and St Columb’s Park. I was very interested to visit the Park today to see for myself how my Department’s funding for the synthetic pitch will ‘kick-start’ the wider sports campus project.”

Mayor Councillor Helen Quigley said: "Derry City Council is committed to a strong and united approach to regeneration in the city centre and works closely with DSD locally and the Ilex Urban Regeneration Company. In terms of public realm development our Walled City Signature Destination Tourism Project has evolved through close co-operation with both DSD and Ilex, the combined efforts of which will produce a transformed city centre in future years.

"Council is also working closely with these key stakeholders in our new vision for St Columb's Park. The park along with the Ebrington and Clooney sites are considered as major shared city centred space and council has shown the commitment to teamwork by working with Ilex and DSD in bringing forward three complementary masterplans for these key strategic locations.

"The first phase of council's efforts are reflected in the installation of a new synthetic pitch at St Columb's Park, substantial funding of which has been provided by DSD. Council is deeply appreciative of the department's support, which is a very tangible illustration of close partnership working."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office 028 9082 9078/07818 035 258

2. Guildhall Square & Waterloo Place information:

  • BDP was appointed as project designer in January this year
  • The proposals will be on display as follows:

4 -13 June 2007 Millennium Forum

14 -15 June 2007 Richmond Shopping Centre

19-20 June 2007 Foyleside Shopping Centre

25 June 2007 Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre

Public Meetings:

Monday 11 June 2007 at 7.30pm Tower Hotel

Thursday 21 June 2007 at 7.30pm Broomhill Hotel

Key features of the design include:

  • Re-introduction of a designated route for vehicular traffic, including car drop off at Waterloo Place
  • Space for cultural activity and entertainment
  • Establish a high quality managed market
  • Innovative new lighting and public art

3. The synthetic pitch at St Columb’s Park is expected to cost £634,500. DSD’s funding of £500,000 is being provided through the Renewing Communities Fund.