Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly with contractors MP Coleman at the site in Inverroe Park in Creggan. Included are Triax Neighbourhood representative Cllr Kevin Campbell, Colin Kennedy, Park Development Manager and Joanne Benison, Project Manager, City Engineers Department, both Derry City Council.
Derry City Council is to oversee the regeneration of a derelict site at Inverroe Gardens in the Creggan area of the city which is to be dramatically transformed into a fully landscaped green space, made possible by investment from Department of Social Development (DSD) and Council’s Parks Development programme.
Contractors MP Coleman are expected to be on site until late summer for the regeneration works, which once complete will boast a vibrant, attractive community space within the residential area, connected by a network of paths, trees, lawned meeting areas and public seats.
The overall cost of the scheme has been estimated at approximately £280,000 of which the Northern Ireland Executive through DSD will provide £250,000 and Derry City Council providing £30,000.
Mayor of Derry, Cllr Martin Reilly said he was delighted the investment was being realised and the work was now visible to those in the local community.
Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly with (from left) local Councillors Kevin Campbell and Jim Clifford, and Pauline Campbell, Department for Social Development. Photo: Lorcan Doher
“Thanks to significant funding from DSD’s Northern Ireland wide Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy as well as support from Derry City Council, the people of Creggan and wider Triax area will be able to benefit from these exciting plans to transform what is essentially waste ground into a safe, beautifully landscaped area.
“I know that I speak for all members of this community who are looking forward to the completion of this works and regeneration of the area in order to address address social exclusion and reduction incidents of anti-social behavior at the previously derelict site.”
Cllr Kevin Campbell, development worker with Triax Neighbourhood Management Team said, said the commencement of the construction marked a “significant point” in the project which, he stressed, had been reached as a result of “hard work” by a number of organisations involved.
He added: “The residents and Triax team are looking forward to the completion of the park, and regeneration of this part of Creggan which was long overdue to enjoy the new green space and shared focal point for all residents to enjoy.”
Acknowledging the beginning of the works, Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said the revitalized park would go a long way towards giving a much needed boost to the local community.
He added: “It will provide an attractive environment which will breathe new life into the area.”
Tags: