DSD to forge ahead with plans for Clondermot

Last week it was revealed the landmark Waterside regeneration project had suffered a major setback with NWRC and WHSCT unable to proceed with their plans for the site due to a lack of funds.

But responding to an Assembly Question Social Development Minister Alex Attwood promised a new community services office block is due to begin construction in January 2011. The unit will be opened in early 2012 if all goes well, the Minister stated.

Following the withdrawal of the health and education plans for the site DSD, in tandem with Derry City Council, will now upgrade the school pitches and build a new changing facility on the grounds.

The Minister explained: "The Waterside Development Trust has however now purchased the portion of the site required for its purposes from my Department and will begin construction of an office block in January 2011.

"When completed in January 2012, this new building will create a high quality site frontage onto the Irish Street entrance and provide purpose built office accommodation for Derry City Council Community Services together with training facilities and Shared Future conference accommodation.

"Given the withdrawal of the health and education proposals my Department is currently engaging with Derry City Council to jointly develop an interim solution that will upgrade the existing pitches and provide new changing facilities on site for public use.

"I remain committed in the longer term to the development of this site for the benefit of local communities. Of course, if DFP and Executive colleagues do not recognise the job for job, pound for pound benefit of urban renewal and regeneration as happened in the June 2010 monitoring, my ambitions for the site may be prejudiced.

"I also hope members may make full representations to other Government departments to help resolve the issue."