Ilex, the urban regeneration company for Derry, has helped transform Brooke Park in the city to create a new outdoor events space.
Brooke Park
The park, which has been the location for events such as “Picnic in the Park” will be better equipped to host more city events in line with the City of Culture programme and its legacy thereafter.
The £150,000 of funding was awarded by Ilex through the Department for Social Development’s UK City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said the project was a “fine example” of the results which could be achieved through partnership working.
He said the provision of “this new high quality” outdoor event space would support the events of the City of Culture and provide a legacy for the residents of Derry.
He added: “It is vital that all people, regardless of background are given the opportunity to enjoy acceptable levels of good health and well being through physical and outdoor activity.”
Mayor of Derry, Cllr Martin Reilly welcomed the investment and the partnership working to rejuvenate Brooke Park into a shared civic space that can host outdoor events.
He added: “This is a very successful joint project between Derry City Council, Ilex and DSD to create an outdoor facility that will benefit the entire community for generations. Brooke Park is a hugely significant space in the city with a unique historical background and I am delighted that this investment will encourage more people to use it and allow us to showcase the space as part of our legacy from 2013 and our year as City of Culture”.
Ilex’s cultural broker Caoimhín Corrigan said: “Brooke Park is a key green space in the city centre, and the £150,000 of funding has supported the development of this multi-purpose space.
In recent years the ‘Picnic in the Park’ has reawakened people’s interest in the park and has introduced a new audience to this civic space. This project is an excellent example of how urban regeneration can contribute to an area, and remain in keeping with its historic character”.
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