Derry residents asked to have their say on £45m Centre Riverfront Plan
The council, in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure (DFI), is seeking the views of the people of Derry and local businesses on the proposed Centre Riverfront Project.
A public consultation on the project was held in the Guildhall Wednesday, with another scheduled for Thursday from 10am to 2pm, followed by an afternoon session from 4pm to 8pm.
Speaking on Wednesday, Joanne Benison, Derry Regeneration Programme Manager, said the consultation marked a really exciting time for the city.
Joanne explained that the project focuses on the riverfront area stretching from Strand Road through Harbour Square and linking onwards to the university.
“It’s about really making the river important again, as the city has potentially turned its back on it over the years,” she said.
“It’s also about investment in the city, a catalyst for potentially bringing new businesses along the centre riverfront, particularly between the City Hotel and the current council offices, where there hasn’t been much investment in recent years.”
The Regeneration Programme Manager added that the consultations on Wednesday and Thursday are important opportunities for the people of Derry and local businesses to have their say on the design of the project.
The Centre Riverfront Project represents a £45 million investment in the city, and Joanne said the consultation has so far been met with largely positive feedback.
Derry City and Strabane District Council, alongside DFI, also emphasised that earlier artist impressions of the project have now been phased out.
Carnhill man, James Ashford spoke on Wednesday of what he thought of the project after taking a look at the sample images and information provided during consultation in the Guildhall.
James said: “From what I gathered on social media the concept, brilliant. I came up today and I saw some things that I would like more detail on, like the proposed building for the peace garden, why are they putting that in.
“I know the council offices are moving and the university is taking over the council building, brilliant, great to see it all utilised. In my eyes you have the BT building that is not fully utilised. Why not move the council into there and leave the peace garden as a public open space.”
In earlier briefings, Eamon Molloy, the council’s Strategic Projects Programme Director, said the council will ultimately relocate to a new office at the Peace Park, with Ulster University a potential tenant for the Strand Road site.
James added: “The whole concept is brilliant for the city and long overdue, to use that riverside walk.”
The council and DFI said for those who missed the public consultation that there is an online version with a survey to leave feedback.