Museum funding step to realising Ebrington vision and it’s time to transfer to Derry council now, says Martina Anderson

The Foyle MLA said: “This confirmation of funding for a museum is another step towards realising the potential of the Ebrington site. “Twenty three of the 24 buildings on the site are now either leased or subject to Expressions of Interest with over £38m of funding now invested by The Executive Office to develop the overall site.”

The Sinn Féin economy spokesperson has said that now is the ideal time for Derry City & Strabane District Council to take ownership of the Ebrington regeneration site.

Urging Council to open discussions with The Executive Office, she said: “I have been engaging with The Executive Office and DC&SDC on progressing the development of the Ebrington site since I returned as an MLA in January. Since then a huge amount of refurbishment work has taken place and numerous buildings have been occupied by a range of businesses. Further tenancy agreements are also expected to be signed in the coming weeks and months.

“Now that much of the enabling and refurbishment work is well underway, I have suggested to the Chief Executive of Derry & Strabane District Council that discussions should begin with The Executive Office to explore how the transfer of the Ebrington buildings to council ownership could be progressed on a phased basis.”