£230K. regeneration of St Columb’s Park in Derry

An investment of £183,535 from the Department for Communities, £25,000 from the Executive Office and £21,160 from Derry City and Strabane District Council will enable the improvements to commence.

This funding package will see the creation of a new pedestrian entrance opposite the Peace Tree on St Columb’s Road, giving better and safer access/egress to St Columb’s Park from the Ebrington site and wider links to the Waterside and city centre.

The car park will be resurfaced, reconfigured and realigned, allowing for disabled parking, and will include ramps, a new pedestrian pathway linking the car park to the new entrance and new crossing points. Soft landscaping will further enhance the area with the planting of hedging and trees.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I am delighted to announce this funding which will progress and complement the continued regeneration of St Columb’s Park. This project will enhance this stunning public amenity providing a safer, welcoming space for wellbeing, where we can walk, cycle and enjoy the extensive green space benefiting both the local community and visitors to the area.

“My Department continues to support our town and city centres recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and with increased usage over the past year it is more important than ever to invest in our cities green spaces.”

Welcoming the news, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney, said: “I very much welcome the announcement of this funding which will enable us to finish works at the gateway to our beautiful St Columb’s Park, complementing the landscaping already completed on the Avenue. It will make accessing the park easier and more visually attractive for local people and visitors alike.

“Council continues to prioritise and invest in green space provision across the City and District and to identify opportunities to develop and enhance our green infrastructure to benefit the health, wellbeing and convenience of everyone. I want to thank our partners in the Department and The Executive Office, and commend everyone involved in the fantastic work on this project to date.”​

This project has been jointly developed by The Executive Office and Derry City and Strabane District Council. The project will be managed by the Council which has already successfully completed a number of public realm projects in the park.

The investment has also been welcomed by Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson who said: “This will greatly improve access, pedestrian safety and the overall experience of visiting one of the city’s most popular attractions. I have no doubt that this latest regeneration package will be greatly welcomed.”