Brooke Park pitches to make way for £250k events area

The investment is part of an overall £5m regeneration plan supported by a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £1.45m and will include a host of exciting new features including a state of the art play garden as well as the restoration of historic features.

Mayor Kevin Campbell said: “As a support of the Council’s Park and Development Programme 2012-2013, this work initiates the beginning of the regeneration of Brooke Park.

“This new structured event area and the plans for preserving the rich history and listed structures throughout the park will have lasting legacy for the people of the city, who will be able to enjoy the new improved and much needed parkland near the centre of town.

“The outdoor events area will offer a transformed space in time for locals and visitors to host various planned community events during City of Culture year of celebrations, I am delighted at the plans and progress to date.”

John Kelpie, Strategic Director, at Derry City Council, said the appointed contractor Whitemountain would be soon be commencing on site.

“The plans will convert the existing shale pitches remodelled into a grassy outdoor events area, work which will be complete by December of this year. We are advising members of the public that the gate at Daly’s Crescent will remain closed throughout the duration of the works in the interest of public safety.”

Caoimhin Corrigan, Ilex’s Cultural Broker said: “Brooke Park has been a key amenity for the city and the community. The investment of resources from the DSD City of Culture scheme to enhance the events capacity of the park will be a fitting legacy to the City of Culture year”.