Drumahoe plans on view

A planning application to build an ice rink, cinema, bowling alley, soccer dome, restaurants, retail units and a health care facility at the now derelict Desmonds site is currently before the planners.

Last week a technical summary of an environmental statement - prepared by Michael Burroughs Associates - was submitted to Derry City Council's Planning Committee.

The statement forms part of a D&A Properties planning application for the major mixed-use regeneration development at Drumahoe and includes exact specifications of what will be built should the scheme go ahead.

It emerges the new development will include an ice rink (3,265 square metres), a 14 lane bowling alley (1,083 square metres), three restaurant/cafe units (totalling 862 sqaure metres gross), a caf/bar (100 square metres), an eight pitch soccer dome (7143 square metres), a six screen cinema (2706 square metres), a health centre (1,067square metres), a food superstore (7,845 square metres), two non-food retail units (955square metres gross) and a petrol filling station (118 square metres).

The summary acknowledges the site was originally zoned for industrial use but states: "It constitutes a significant investment that will provide a considerable number of jobs in a range of sectors during the construction phase and through its day-to-day running, maintenance and servicing.

"Employment opportunities will exist for a variety of skill levels. It is undoubtedly a redevelopment opportunity and it is also a mixed-use development with job creation potential."

The document also describes the development as "a specific regeneration initiative designed to meet this area's employment, because the proposal site, in its current form, unquestionably harms the character of Drumahoe Road" and that "significant local benefits will be provided by the proposal including employment, recreation, leisure, retailing and healthcare to the local population" and that it will transform a site which at present "unquestionably harms the character of Drumahoe Road."

Last Thursday, the Drumahoe Community Association held a display of the plans for the Desmond's site, as well as those drawn up by the Western Education and Library Board for the former Faughan Valley School site.

The large scale of the turnout reflected the interest in both potential developments in the area.