DERRY City and Strabane District Council has confirmed that a Letter of Offer confirming funding for development works for the Brandywell have been approved by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and is expected to be with Council by end of next week.

OFMDFM through the Social Investment fund is allocating just over £3m to the Council area.

This is to include three projects, the Brandywell Stadium development project, a community pavilion at Leafair and a GAA pitch at the Top of the Hill, Corrody Road area.

The total cost for Brandywell stadium development is currently estimated at circa £6.25m, with £4.47m being allocated by Council for the stadium development and the remainder of the funding being provided by OFMDFM.

The Brandywell development project is one of a number of investment and regeneration project included in Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Capital Investment Fund that was approved by Full Council in August.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayor Cllr Elisha McCallion said the investment is excellent news for the city and region and marks a significant investment by OFMDFM in the city and region.

“The Council is delighted that funding for three sports and community facilities in the Derry area has been approved through the Social Investment Fund.

“The Social Investment Fund was set up to deliver social change and I am confident that the people of the Brandywell, Leafair and Top of the Hill will greatly benefit from this significant investment by providing better facilities, improving the local environment and increasing the health and well being of those living and working in these areas.”

She explained that an updated paper outlining the next stages of the process, including procurement and timelines for the delivery of the projects, will be presented to elected members of the Health and Community Committee in October for consideration and approval.

Ongoing consultation with the local community and user groups will also be an important part of that process.

Mayor Cllr McCallion congratulated the close working relationships between Council and the relevant Government departments and key stakeholders to secure the funding.

“These regeneration and development projects represent a hugely significant capital investment for the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

“We believe these projects will greatly enhance and expand the level of usage of existing facilities, to accommodate a range of sports, leisure, clubs and community organisations, that will make a positive contribution to the health and well-being of the entire community,“ she added.

The Mayor concluded that the ongoing works to demolish the Glentoran stand at the Brandywell, and a section of the site boundary wall adjoining the Lonemoor Road, is continuing on schedule and is expected to continue over the coming weeks.