Work on Derry's Ebrington clock tower to start in December with contractor appointment due this month

Once the procurement process is completed works will take place on the flagship building for three months from December.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, outlining ongoing progress at Ebrington, confirmed that work was also well under way on a huge grade-A office block on top of the underground car park.

Heron Property Limited recommenced construction on the block in the summer, after a temporary shutdown due to the pandemic.

Mrs. O’Neill said the block will accommodate between 400 and 450 people when it is completed in March 2022.

Referring to the clock tower, the Deputy First Minister said: “We are pleased to report that the procurement process to appoint a works contractor to complete enabling works on the clock tower building is now under way.

“An appointment is expected by November 30. The works programme is expected to run for approximately 12 weeks from December 2020, and that is, obviously, dependent on the weather. We will continue to advance all remaining development works on-site and look forward to seeing those being completed for the benefit of all in the wider area.”

Foyle MLA Martina Anderson asked the minister to provide an update on the office accommodation at the southern end of the Ebrington site.

“The developer of that grade-A accommodation, Heron Property Limited, received planning approval in September 2019, and works to construct the building commenced in December 2019.

“Whilst they were temporarily delayed due to the lockdown, works recommenced in July 2020. Construction works are expected to be complete by March 2022, and, when complete, we anticipate that the project will bring significant benefits to the city and the region and will be a key catalyst for the site,” said Mrs. O’Neill.