Restoration work underway

Rev David Latimer said the development was a huge boost for the entire city and a reward for the "faith, hope and patience" of the First Derry congregation which has endured a seven year exile from its spiritual home because of dry rot in the building.

Fears were sparked in December that the major restoration - proposed under the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's (NITB) landmark Built Heritage programme for the Walled City - would stall as Environment Minister Edwin Poots intended to claw back on a Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) funding contribution earmarked for the scheme.

The Minister wrote to Rev Latimer in December with the concerning revelation that a limit of 250,000 per year was to be placed on each repair project funded through the Grants Scheme for Listed Buildings from 2010/11.

But following a crunch meeting between Rev Latimer and Mr Poots in January and subsequent meetings with officers in the DoE and the NITB the funding impasse was overcome, clearing the way for work to begin.

Contracts were also signed with the successful contractor for the First Derry tender, Woodvale Construction last month and works are due to commence on site on Monday with completion expected by February 2011.

A spokesperson for the NIEA said an estimated shortfall of 110,000 blamed on the proposed cap was actually an estimate before tenders were received.

The spokesperson said: "Keener than expected prices and splitting the application into the two listed buildings involved, resulted in offers of 234,640 and 28,855, which were not capped.

"Remaining concerns of the congregation were addressed at a meeting between NIEA, NITB and their representatives on 26 January 2010 which was arranged at the request of Minister Edwin Poots."

Rev. Latimer said he was overwhelmed at the enthusiasm for the project in the city and the cross-party commitment to make sure it goes ahead as planned. He said Londonderry could once again become a model for the rest of Northern Ireland in showing how two communities could live and work together.

"It's an exciting time for the whole city. The spotlight has been on us for some time and now all of the agencies and interested people here have come together in such a way that there is a very good outcome not only for Presbyterians but for the entire city," said the Minister.

"It shows that there can be a shared future for the city and that there is a space in the heart of this city for Presbyterians and their Roman Catholic neighbours to work together and build confidence.

"It's another model to develop between the two traditions that can perhaps be used as a template in other area where there are difficulties," he added.

Several political representatives had shown considerable personal commitment to ensuring First Derry's long awaited return to Upper Magazine Street said Rev Latimer, who highlighted the Minister Mr Poots, DUP MLA William Hay, SDLP MP, MLA Mark Durkan and Sinn Fin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

He continued: "All of the people have been very focused on enabling a Presbyterian congregation to return to inside the heart of the city of Derry/Londonderry.

"I'm excited at the prospect of my people moving right into the heart of the city once again. The congregation will be included in all aspects of the life of the city.

"The future is not just about building bridges. It's about bonding and to have a Presbyterian presence alongside our Roman Catholic neighbours there will be opportunities to both build confidence and share stories."

Rev Latimer concluded: "I want to express that the faith, hope and patience of the First Derry congregation - after seven long years - have now at last been rewarded with the news that work is to commence on the Church."

And added: "We are looking forward to returning to our home with our Catholic Nationalist neighbours with the aim of re-establishing our presence in the city and exercising a very positive role out of Upper Magazine Street in the future."

DUP representative William Hay was personally involved in facilitating meetings between Mr Poots and Rev Latimer.

He welcomed the development stating: "A lot of work has taken place to get the First Derry Presbyterian project over the line. I facilitated a meeting between Rev David Latimer and the Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots in order to try to find a resolution. It's very good news for the congregation which has already put 400,000 into the project. I know how important is for them to get back into their own building after such a long time.

"It's also a Church with a very strong Ulster-Scots tradition and it has a very important part of the history of the city of Londonderry. This project along with the Guildhall Built Heritage project will greatly enhance tourism in the city.

"I also think the two projects will also give a huge boost to the local construction industry. Millions of pounds have been earmarked for its and this should ensure there is a good spin-off for local contractors."