Derry is a “different city” from what it was 18 months ago as a result of its year as City of Culture, the chief executive of the local Chamber of Commerce has said.
Sinead McLaughlin.
Sinead McLaughlin said the title has had a major impact on the city’s economy with £166m capital spend over the 12 months with over 1,000 jobs promoted.
Ms McLaughlin said the city was “poised” to build on the momentum created by its year as City of Culture.
Particular areas of growth will include developing higher education and small businesses, with a number of landmark commercial developments being worked on in 2014 – although unemployment remains an issue in the city.
“We’re poised as a smaller city to enter a new growth period – it’s a different city than what it was 12-18 months ago,” Ms McLaughlin told Insider Media Limited..
She said Tourism had increased “month on month” here, accommodation was up by 26 per cent and over 42 businesses opened in the city centre since it acquired the title. Also major property developments have been approved for 2014.
Ms McLaughlin said this “vibrancy`’ defied figures which showed Derry remained the North’s unemployment blackspot with 8.6 per cent claiming benefit.
She added: “We’ve seen over 42 businesses open in the city centre over the past 15 months, which is a positive indication.”
Ms McLaughlin said she was looking forward to a number of projects set to open next year, including the development of a £12m North West Science Park and £2.5m creative industries hub.
A 2,000 seat stadium for sports events and concerts has also been approved and is due for completion in 2015.
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