Design team to be put in place for Derry high street revamps

The external consultants will be charged with designing revitalisation schemes at Carlisle Road and Spencer Road.

Both of the traditional shopping streets have seen better days and the Council has sought funding from the Department of Communities to do something about it.

An update on progress on the project was delivered at the Council’s February Environment and Regeneration Committee meeting.

“At this stage, funding has only been secured for phase (I) in terms of commissioning an external design team to undertake the necessary technical analysis including preparation of designs and costs for each of the participating properties,” reported a Council officer.

“It is only when phase (I) is completed (expected to be September 2020) that Officers will be in a position to understand the scale and value of the scheme and at which point will form the basis for a further business case/funding application to DfC for phase (II),” the officer added.

Once the design work is completed the physical regeneration of the streets can proceed. However, a design team must be appointed now to draw down cash before the end of the financial year.

“Funding has been secured from DfC to deliver Phase I (design) at a rate of 100% with there being no direct cost implications to Council,” the officer stated.