MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Hilary McClintock has welcomed the appointment of WDR & RT Taggarts as lead consultant in the development of the new Drumahoe District Park.
The park is one of three flagship projects across the North receiving £1 million each from the Big Lottery funded Space & Place programme.
The new park will be located on the grounds of Drumahoe Primary School and on a portion of the former Faughan Valley School.
Plans for the development, include the creation of a new play garden, walkway, meeting space, synthetic pitch and changing rooms.
The Space & Place programme is a £15 million Big Lottery funded capital grants programme delivered by a consortium headed up by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.
Derry City and Strabane District Council worked in partnership with Drumahoe Community Association, Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, Tullyally Community Partnership, Education Authority and Drumahoe Primary School to create a visionary project and then bid for funding from the Space & Place programme with the aspiration that a new park would connect more people and communities together by making use of the underused land at the site.
The Mayor said she was very pleased the programme is now a stage further ahead with the appointment of WDR & RT Taggarts as lead consultant.
She added: “I am so pleased and excited that we’ve moved to the next stage in the development.
“While it will be a timely process before the new park is finalised this is a significant step in getting one stage closer to that time.
“This project was essential for their community and I’m very grateful to the Space & Place programme for recognising this.
“The transformation of this derelict site into a facility designed not only for local children but by all people throughout the city and district.
“With increased access to the Drumahoe pitches and the biodiversity component alongside the new walking trails along the scenic River Faughan it really is a place for everyone.’’
Terry McMaster, Principal, Drumahoe Primary School, said: ‘The staff, Governors and pupils at Drumahoe P.S. are now beginning to realise that their vision is beginning to come to fruition with the appointment of WDR & RT Taggarts as lead consultant for the new Drumahoe District Park.
“The development of this “Community Corridor” and the increased access to the Drumahoe pitches and new walking trails along the scenic River Faughan will create a place for everyone to enjoy and be proud of.’
The Project is anticipated to commence on site in June/July 2017.
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