The establishment by Invest NI of a new office at Ebrington Plaza has been welcomed by local political representatives.

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy described it as ‘another positive step in delivering regional balance’.

“This significant investment reinforces the North West’s growing reputation as a place to do business, attract investment and create high-quality jobs.

“The new office will provide a strong local presence for Invest NI and help strengthen links with businesses, entrepreneurs and potential investors across the region.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured at Invest NI’s new North West Regional Office in Derry’s prestigious Ebrington Plaza with Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest NI and Aeidin McCarter, Head of Regional Business for the North West at Invest NI.

placeholder image — Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured at Invest NI’s new North West Regional Office in Derry’s prestigious Ebrington Plaza with Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest NI and Aeidin McCarter, Head of Regional Business for the North West at Invest NI.

“This announcement demonstrates the Minister’s commitment to building a stronger, fairer economy and ensuring communities can see and feel the benefits of positive change,” said the local MLA.

DUP MLA Julie Middleton also hailed the new development.

“I warmly welcome the decision by Invest NI to establish its new North West regional office at Ebrington Plaza. This is a positive development for Londonderry and the wider North West, demonstrating a commitment to supporting local businesses, encouraging investment and creating opportunities for economic growth across our region.

“The North West has significant potential, with talented people, innovative businesses and a strong entrepreneurial spirit,” she stayed.

Ulster Unionist Alderman Darren Guy also welcomed Invest NI’s move to Ebrington Plaza but he warned that the office must bring a fair share of jobs and investment to the region and end what he called ‘Invest NI’s Belfast-centric approach’.

Ald. Guy said: “Invest NI’s new office at Ebrington is welcome, and its local team under Aeidin McCarter has worked hard to engage with businesses and representatives.

“But an office is a building, not a strategy. Of the 4,134 jobs Invest NI promoted last year, almost 58 per cent were in Belfast. The Derry City and Strabane District council area got just 6.5 per cent, despite having long had the lowest employment rate in Northern Ireland.

“If we are serious about moving all of Northern Ireland forward, the Belfast-centric approach has to end. The Ebrington office needs real decision-making power, proper staffing and a specific North West jobs target.

“We will judge this move not by the fit-out, but by whether it brings the jobs.”

Invest NI has had a base at Timber Quay since 2006. The new office at Ebrington Plaza is a 10-year lease.

Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest NI said: “Stimulating further economic development in the North West and across Northern Ireland is a key priority for Invest NI. We are working to deliver more investment and more high-quality projects and jobs.

“We are monitoring our progress on this carefully across several KPIs including the volume of investment, value of investment and the jobs we are supporting outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area. Last year we supported 263 projects in the North West that will result in over £80m of investment and create over 400 new jobs."

The new office, totalling 299sqm / 3,220 ft2 will include a dedicated reception area, with seating and desks for informal meetings, four meeting rooms, a 22-seat Boardroom and a separate 20-desk Invest NI office space. It is expected to be ready for occupation in early 2027.