Brooke Park access to cease until grand unveiling

The new pavilion which will house a coffee shop in Brooke Park in Derry on the site of the former Gywn's Institute. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 28.09.15

Public access to Brooke Park is to cease to facilitate the final stage of works ahead of the grand unveiling of the revamped public facility.

The council said that this will mean pedestrian access through the park will no longer be available from February 1.

It will remain closed until the park is reopened in late May or early summer 2016 to help finalise the £5.6m refurbishment.

Regular park users are being asked to use alternative routes to accommodate ongoing construction works.

A spokesperson from Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “Council really appreciate the public’s support to date and trust in their continued co-operation in the final stages of what is a major capital parks development project for the city.

“To date we have successfully managed to maintain an access route through the park over the past year. However, at this advanced stage of works and in order to commence the installation of essential utilities such as a gas main, ongoing work to gated entrances, contractor demobilisation, commissioning of new buildings and allowing for the establishment of the planted/ grassed areas, the closure of the park is essential.”

She added: “This planned closure will be necessary to ensure the successful completion of the regeneration project within programme whilst maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for the public.

“Council would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and we look forward to the unveiling of what will be a beautiful new civic amenity which will benefit people from across the city and beyond.”