90% of adults have used Peace Bridge

That’s according to the Londonderry regeneration company Ilex who commissioned a Social Capital North West survey of 1,389 at seven different locations across the city.

Results also revealed that a third of the respondents who had used the Peace Bridge had done so to access shopping, while two thirds of those who used Ebrington Square have done so for the purpose of attending events or recreational activities.

Gerard McCleave, Ilex’s Director of Strategy & Regeneration said: “This survey shows the hugely positive impact which the Peace Bridge and Ebrington Square are having on the daily lives of people in the city.

“The overwhelming majority of respondents believe that these new shared spaces are being used by people in their communities with 8 in 10 of both Waterside and Cityside residents stating that they had used Ebrington Square.“

As well as being used for health and fitness purposes, this research has also revealed that the Peace Bridge has contributed to increased access to key amenities such as employment and shopping for people on both the West and East banks.

They have also led to a rise in attendance at public events including the Hallowe’en festival.

“Undoubtedly, the Peace Bridge and Ebrington Square have changed the daily movement of people in Derry~Londonderry and these findings underline how these sizeable public spaces really are helping improve people’s everyday lives and are contributing to a shared future.

”Ilex is about to go out to tender for a team to prepare the Ebrington Development Framework with a view to lodging a planning application for the entire 26 acre site by the end of this year,” said Mr McCleave.