The old Waterside Railway Station in Derry.
The reopening of the old Waterside train station in Derry as a rail terminus has been given the go ahead by Transport Minister Danny Kennedy.
In making the announcement, Mr Kennedy said it was “clear” as a result of a consultation process carried out by Translink there was a “strong attachment” to the old rail station.
However, he was unable to give a start date for the project as he revealed their was no funding available for the scheme.
The announcement has been welcomed by local lobby group Into the West which has been campaigning for the retention and upgrade of the rail connections in and out of the city.
Spokesperson Mary Kerrigan said the group was “thrilled” by the announcement which she said was a vindication of its long campaign.
Ms Kennedy said she believed funding “is there and that it “only needs re-directing.”
Mr Kennedy said once refurbished the terminus would have the potential of an “attractive destination” for tourists arriving in city.
However, Mr Kennedy said there were “wider opportunities” which he felt should be looked at to take advantage as the project was being developed.
Referring to his recent study tour of Copenhagen and Malmo in Sweden, the Minister said he had been inspired by what he had seen elsewhere and the role that cycling and public transport could play in creating “accessible and attractive urban environments.”
In light of that and the extensive work already undertaken to develop walking and cycling infrastructure in Derry, he said he believed there was an “unique opportunity” to deliver an “innovative and inspirational project” which would reflect the ambitions the city had set for itself in the One Plan.
Setting out his vision, the Minister said there was the potential for the refurbishment of the old waterside station to create an “innovative active travel and public transport hub.”
He said the hub would serve the wider city and surrounding area and could assist in the regeneration of the city and as well as enhancing its reputation and vibrancy.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy.
He added: “The aim of the project would be to provide facilities for cyclists including parking, changing and maintenance within a refurbished station. In addition the station would be linked directly to the Peace Bridge and existing greenways.”
Opportunities are also be explored to extend walking and cycling infrastructure in the city, including between the university, Ebrington and cross-border links.
Mr Kennedy said while this offered “major economic benefits,” he wanted to ensure the local community benefitted from the project, both through improved economic opportunities and as part of a wider process to improve the local environment and quality of life.
He added: “This project is at a very early stage and delivery will be subject to securing funding. However, I have asked my officials to engage immediately with key stakeholders to develop detailed plans.”
Mr Kennedy concluded: “It is particularly important that we also engage with local groups and so I have asked for a forum to be established to develop the scope of such a project and to explore funding options.”
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