Work starts on former parade ground

Ilex, the urban regeneration company has taken another step in the re-development of the former Ebrington Barracks site by awarding the contract for the re-development of the former parade ground into a new public square. The square - which is around the same size as Trafalgar Square will be connected to the city side by the Peace Bridge which is currently under construction and due for completion next year.

The contract, worth around 6m, has been awarded to SIAC (NI) Ltd which has successfully completed many major public realm schemes including Armagh City Centre, Eyre Square in Galway and Grand Canal Square in Dublin. The company is currently transforming both Lurgan and Portadown town centres.

Announcing the contract, Ilex Chief Executive, Aideen McGinley said: "The agenda for this city is now one of transformation. We are going through an ambitious period of regeneration with a number of developments completed recently or currently under construction. The success of the Department of Social Development's regeneration of Waterloo Place and Guildhall Square and the ongoing progress on the Peace Bridge are having a positive impact on the city and its attractiveness to visitors and residents alike. The re-developed city square at Ebrington will link the Peace Bridge to Guildhall Square and play a major part in the programme of events for the City of Culture in 2013."

Brenda Fraser, Ilex's Director of Development explained: "The regeneration of the parade ground is fundamental as it will provide a link from the Waterside to the Peace Bridge and on to the city centre's commercial core. It will also create a 'destination space' in Ebrington for a range of culture and leisure activities. It will bring communities together by providing space for interaction and engagement and will hold up to 15,000 people. Similar in size to Trafalgar Square in London and Donegall Square in Belfast, the square will help promote economic activity and is a major first step in the regeneration of Ebrington".

SIAC (NI) Ltd is scheduled to start work on site within the next two weeks.

Kieran Doyle, Regional Director SIAC (NI) Ltd said: "SIAC is delighted to have been awarded this prestigious project which will become a legacy for the City and provide a focal point for the City of Culture celebrations. It will also offer local employment opportunities and is a welcome boost to our ongoing operations and expansion in Northern Ireland. We bring a wealth of experience in successful delivery of high profile schemes and look forward to working closely with ILEX and McAdam Design to deliver this project."