Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, with Philip Flynn, chairperson of Ilex, at the completion of a £5.5million capital project at Ebrington. Photo: Lorcan Photography
The completion of a £5.5million capital project, including a 214-space car park, at Ebrington in Derry’s Waterside has been announced by the First and Deputy First Minister.
As well as the car park, the project also includes new access to the Belfast and Dublin roads at the King Street roundabout, a development platform establishing a new investment opportunity, and a new link extending the Waterside Greenway and further enhancing walking and cycle routes for the city.
Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness with Philip Flynn, chair of Ilex and Mel Higgins, chief executive at the completion of a £5.5m capital project at Ebrington. Photo: Lorcan Photography
Speaking from the site, Mr McGuinness said the investment signalled the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister’s (OFMDFM) commitment to Ebrington, Derry and the North West.
He added: “The site will be a catalyst for job creation, building on the recently announced craft brewery and the café, both scheduled to open in spring 2015.
“It is imperative the right infrastructure is in place to support our aspirations to attract investment and create jobs for people.
“Along the banks of the Foyle and against the backdrop of our magnificent Peace Bridge, Ebrington really is one of the iconic sites of the city. It is only at its best when it is being utilised and enjoyed by people and this infrastructure improvement will add to the overall experience.”
Philip Flynn, Chair of Ilex the car park would serve patrons of Ebrington and would also be used for events on site.
He added: “Directly above the car park is a development platform. This is a new investment opportunity which could accommodate a building of ca. 75,000 sq ft.
“In the interim, the platform will add to the high quality public realm with seating areas and views across the Foyle.”
The project also marks the opening of the fourth access to Ebrington and enhances city connectivity by extending the Waterside Greenway which now runs from the railway station to the Peace Bridge and onwards to Foyle Bridge.
The contract was awarded to Co Derry company BSG Civil Engineering and the project has been delivered at a total cost of £5.5m from OFMDFM.
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