Video: Dr. Mark Browne indicates ‘very significant progress’ with leases or interest in every unit in Ebrington in Derry

That’s according to Dr. Mark Browne, Director of Strategic Policy, Equality and Good Relations at the Executive Office.

He told a briefing of The Executive Office scrutiny committee a state-of-the-art office on top of the multi-story car park is scheduled to be completed in 2020/21.

The Executive Office also hopes construction of a four-star hotel at the Ebrington clock tower could get underway this year. Dr. Browne, however, said progress could be hindered by COVID-19.

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson, a member of the committee, said people were worried about the ostensible lack of progress.

“We all know the history of what has happened over the past number of years, and I am very aware that the late Martin McGuinness regarded the project as not only of developing the landscape of Ebrington but of developing the economic prosperity of the north-west.

“I am keen to know where we are at with tenants because, in my city of Derry, people are quite concerned about the fact that we have the opportunity with a site, and they do not believe that it is being given the due regard and attention that it needs for it to develop. I am sure that we will get an opportunity to take that forward soon,” she said.

Dr. Browne said: “Very significant progress has been made on Ebrington. A site of that size, with significant heritage buildings on it and all the problems that they bring with them, given their classification and status and the hidden issues that emerge when you try to work with them, brings high costs. Significant investment had to be put into Ebrington around the basic utilities, for example, water, sewerage and electricity. As you will know, a new roadway and gateway into Ebrington has been developed. There has been significant work around all the buildings and a lease, or an expression of interest, has now been taken for all the buildings in Ebrington.”

Ms. Anderson asked Dr. Browne if there was interest in all the buildings.

He replied: “Yes, or else there is a lease in place for all of them. We should not just get into how much was invested; it is the outcome that is important, which is that businesses are interested in these areas.

“Since 2016, when TEO took over direct control of the site, there has been about £15.6 million invested in the site. Something in the region of £22 million was spent before that. So there has been a significant investment in the site. There are some really exciting developments there now. The new grade-A office building, which has commenced construction, will provide 50,000 square feet net of office space, accommodating between 400 and 450 people. It is due to complete in the summer of 2020/21. A four-star hotel with 152 bedrooms is planned, with a view to commencing construction this year.”

Dr. Browne cautioned, however, that “it is hard to know just how the current circumstances are going to impact on all these things”.

“The risk is that it could have a wider impact across the Ebrington site,” he said.