Derry Development Officer, Joe Cowan, presented preliminary plans for the project when he met the Council earlier this week and he was given the go-ahead to get detailed designs for the scheme drawn up.

The general concept for Guildhall Square, as far as the pedestrianisation plans are concerned, is for it to be closed to all traffic and to properly establish its traditional role as the main civic square in the city.

The planned pedestrianisation of Waterloo Place will extend to the junction of Strand Road and Sackville Street and, according to Mr. Cowan, the emphasis will be on providing a “shopping square area.”

It is proposed to remove the existing derelict toilets and provide a central rest area with seats located in areas to best catch the sun. It has been suggested that the rest area could include a sculptural feature which would highlight an aspect of the city’s history, such as emigration from Derry Port to America.