Meenan Square re-development has taken a major step forward with the submission of a full planning application to Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC).
The project is being delivered by the Executive Office’s Urban Villages initiative in conjunction with Apex Housing Association (Apex) and Meenan Square Developments Ltd.
It will see the construction of a mixed-use development, comprising community services, housing and essential local economic amenities which will include retail, commercial and office space.
Sheena McCallion, Chief Executive of Apex Housing Association, commented: “We would like to express our thanks to all residents, community stakeholders and elected representatives who took the time to provide their feedback and support for this important project during the consultation process.
“The regeneration of Meenan Square is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about building a more vibrant and sustainable community and transforming a significant area of the city for the generations to come.”
A separate local planning application, for the development of eight social homes on the wider site, has also been submitted by Apex to the council with a proposed housing mix of two-bed and three-bed homes.
Ciaran O’Donnell, Project Co-ordinator, Meenan Square Developments Ltd added: “The Meenan Square transformation project will provide a space for all communities to live and thrive in. The submission of the planning applications to the council marks a vital step in the development process and we look forward to engaging positively with DCSDC planners and consultees as the applications make their way to planning committee in the near future.
“I am extremely grateful for the support and feedback that local residents and interested parties have provided the team during the consultation process as we sought to deliver real and lasting impact in the local community through the revitalisation of Meenan Square.”
The applicants have been supported by GM Design acting as the Project Architects, and Turley, providing independent Planning and Strategic Communication services.
Sinn Féin’s Pádraig Delargy welcomed the news that a full planning application has been submitted for the major mixed-use development at Meenan Square.
The Foyle MLA said: “As elected representatives for the Moor Ward we very much welcome the news that a planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of Meenan Square.
“This is a hugely exciting project by Apex Housing in partnership with the Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative and Meenan Square Developments Ltd.
“It represents a huge investment in the heart of the Bogside that will see the construction of a new community hub, much-needed social housing and other local amenities.
“It will also signal the total transformation of a site which has become an eyesore and a source of anti-community behaviour which has blighted the lives of local residents for many years.
“I am sure those residents and the wider community will be delighted that, finally, the site is set to be put to a positive use.”
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