Futuristic bridge plans on display

The Foyle Valley Gateway Masterplan Draft Proposals also include plans for the transformation of the Fountain/Bishop Street peaceline into a “working wall” and the reshaping of the Lecky Road flyover.

The Foyle Valley Gateway was identified as a catalyst project in the ‘One City Regeneration Plan’ and encompasses a large area entailing the Brandywell, Fountain and Bishop Street communities.

Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney said: “The proposals will make a significant contribution to the social and economic regeneration of the area and the city as a whole. They will be fundamental in generating long-term business, tourism, leisure and employment opportunities.”

The proposals are available for viewing until March 27 at the Cathedral Youth Club and the Triax Offices, Iona Business Park, Southway.

They include visuals and short term objectives, such as new play facilities, upgraded sports pitches and traffic calming measures.

For the more medium term it identifies opportunities for new employment at Iona Business Park, training at the former Ben Sherman Shirt Factory and redevelopment of the Brandywell Stadium.

Longer term ideas include reshaping of the ever unpopular Lecky Road Fly-over and an innovative transformation of the peaceline into a ‘working wall’.

The Draft Masterplan also contains exciting proposals for new leisure facility in the Daisyfield area, linked to Prehen by a futuristic landscaped footbridge.

In direct response to initial concerns raised by Councillors, proposals for the Fountain estate have been added to and now include a much needed play area in the centre of the area.

The draft masterplan has been developed by a consultant team led by The Paul Hogarth Company in a process involving consultation with local stakeholders and government departments. Derry City Council would now like to invite members of the public to view and comment upon the draft proposals which will be on display at the following locations:

Copies of the presentation can be viewed online at the following websites www.derrycity.gov.uk and www.paulhogarth.com from the 22nd March with feedback available before March 28 to [email protected].