Major re-development underway

A delighted Centre director, Brian Dougherty is hoping the work will be finished by November and the new look facilities will be ready for the City of Culture activities in 2013.

The massive redevelopment programme is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the Department for Social Development, the Northern Ireland Environmental Association and Derry City Council.

“The work will bring the building and the facilities offered into the 21st century,” said Mr Dougherty,

St Columb’s Park House is an 18th century manor house and was used for many years as a nurses home during the years St Columb’s Hospital was operational. In 1994 a Reconciliation Trust was set up to establish a centre there for reconciliation and a safe venue.

The programme of activities has expanded considerably since then and more than 15,000 people visit the centre each year of which almost 2,000 are residential users.

Centre staffs are operating from temporary buildings in the car park and, thanks to Ilex Regeneration Company, have been able to use facilities at the nearby Ebrington site.

“We have for example been given the use of the ballroom at the officer’s quarters and we’re able to offer our usual facilities to voluntary and community groups and statutory bodies,” said Mr Dougherty.

“The only thing we can’t offer is the dormitory accommodation,” he added. Under the new plans all the dormitory accommodation will be upgraded, some with ensuite facilities

Mr Dougherty said that since the Reconciliation Trust was established the organisation had established itself as a truly neutral conference and activity facility and proactive body in community relations work.

St Columb’s Park House is ideally situated,a few minutes walk from the Ebrington site and the Peace bridge.

“You can be in the city centre within five minutes, a fact recognised by scores of drivers who park around here and walk across the bridge. Our use of the facilities at Ebrington allow the general public to see what the site has to offer for the future of the city.”

Groups using the new revamped centre will be able to make use of the facilities of a new cafeteria which will be built in the courtyard. The new dining area/café will build on the existing catering service to groups using the centre’s conference and residential facilities and will have the potential to be developed into an attractive café for people using the centre’s grounds and the park on a daily basis

“These plans will bring us into the 21st century yet retain the unique fabric and structure of the house,” said Brian. “The new facilities will be a great asset for the city during 2013 and will be available for back packing tourists.”

Centre manager, Sylvia Hunter is operating from the Ebrington site. “I’m delighted with the facilities Ilex have been able to offer us and we’re able to offer our usual services to the public during the redevelopment work,” she said.

Aideen McGinley, the Chief Executive of Ilex said: “St Columb’s Park House provides an extremely important service to the community and we are happy to support them over the coming months”.

For further information about the work of the centre and to make use of the facilities the telephone number to ring is 71343080.