Access improvement works planned for Newbuildings

The works will involve the construction of a new roadway and pedestrian paths, along with new car parking. It will make it easier for the community to access and use this popular site and increase capacity for public events, as well as supporting the future development of Newbuildings United FC and the Cricket Club by creating better facilities.

Work is expected to start in mid-July and be completed by the end of the year.

The announcement has been welcomed by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Mayor, Councillor Brian Tierney. He says the investment and improvement works will hugely benefit the community in Newbuildings.

He added: “I particularly welcome the partnership approach to this project and how it has brought local community and sports groups together. ”

The total project is estimated to cost approximately £300,000.

Mary Hunter, Chair of Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership - the majority funder of the project - says making access easier to the site will provide the community with open space to use for walking, play, exercise and also hosting public events.

Peter Allen, Vice Chairman of Newbuildings Cricket Club, has also welcomed the news: “This will benefit the whole community, young and old, who use this fantastic facility, as well as parents with young children, who are out and about pushing prams and taking their children out for a walk. It will also benefit the older people in our community who use mobility scooters will no longer have to dread the walk up to our facilities.”