Logue hopeful of progress on £11m Meenan Square transformation

Sinn Féin Councillor Patricia Logue has said she is hopeful progress can be made to finally see the redevelopment of Meenan Square.
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Colr. Logue was speaking after confirmation was received from the Executive Office that they expect the Meenan Square site to be purchased by April, describing it as ‘positive news’.

“ I am hopeful that we can see progress and finally see workers on site to kick start the redevelopment of Meenan Square,” Colr. Logue said.

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“This is an exciting project for the Bogside area and it will transform what has become an eyesore into new state-of-the-art facilities.

Derry’s iconic pub, the Bogside Inn in Meenan Square, was demolished to make way for a new £11m redevelopment project. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2127GS – 024Derry’s iconic pub, the Bogside Inn in Meenan Square, was demolished to make way for a new £11m redevelopment project. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2127GS – 024
Derry’s iconic pub, the Bogside Inn in Meenan Square, was demolished to make way for a new £11m redevelopment project. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2127GS – 024

“I will continue to work with the local community and the Executive Office to finally see the redevelopment of Meenan Square completed.”

Last month the Executive Office confirmed that talks with the owner of the Meenan Square site remain ongoing.

Back in 2016, it was confirmed by late Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and then First Minister Arlene Foster that the revitalisation of the Meenan Square shops was included in a massive £45m investment across five ‘urban villages’ in the North.

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Under previously announced plans, The Urban Villages Meenan Square development, located at the junction of Lecky Road and Westland Street, includes new social housing units and community and youth facilities - including a purpose built youth hub. Retail and social economy units and licensed premises will front Westland Street. Dove House - which provides a wide range of services to communities across the city - will relocate to the new site.

Sinn Féin Colr. Patricia Logue.Sinn Féin Colr. Patricia Logue.
Sinn Féin Colr. Patricia Logue.

Government officials said in early October 2022 that they hoped to conclude talks soon to pave the way for an £11m Urban villages project, and it has been now confirmed that the talks are ongoing.

Shop premises, offices and adjoining buildings on the site, including the well known pub The Bogside Inn, were demolished in summer 2021 to make way for the project.

A spokesperson for The Executive Office said in January: “Meenan Square is a transformational project in Derry-Londonderry Urban Village area, which aims to improve good relations outcomes and develop a thriving place where there has been a history of deprivation and community tension. There are plans to create a focal point in the local community as a mixed-use re-development including social housing, community space and commercial units."

“The site remains in private sector ownership and discussions on the purchase of the site continue with the owners and delivery partners. We hope they will conclude soon allowing Urban Villages to move forward with transforming the site into a shared space for fostering positive community identities; building good relations; and harnessing wider economic and social benefits for the local community.”