Strategic Growth Partnership members today met virtually to hear more about some of the significant projects currently being progressed as part of the Community Plan for Derry and Strabane.
The partnership is co-chaired by the community and voluntary sector, the business sector and the statutory sector together with the Mayor, and alongside Council oversees the delivery of the commitments outlined in the Strategic Inclusive Growth Plan for the City and District.
A deputation from the Western Health and Social Care Trust addressed members, providing an update on the Health and Care hubs planned for the city and Strabane, as well as the visionary healthcare project Thrive.
Members heard more about the plans to develop the area of personalised medicine locally as well as the establishment of a dedicated Healthcare Research Institute (HRI) and the expansion of C-TRIC.
Supported by the Inclusive Future Fund for Derry and Strabane, partners were told that ground-breaking world-class medical research will be carried out locally to help prevent disease and to address some of the biggest health challenges of our times.
Skills and Innovation were also high on the agenda, with an update from the North West Regional College on the drive to support local businesses by creating a skilled and proficient workforce, and to retain the talent currently seeking employment opportunities elsewhere.
Members also received a report on the latest economic outlook for Derry and Strabane from leading local economist Dr Eoin Magennis, from Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre, reassuringly titled ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’.
The meeting was co-chaired by the new Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, who said it had been an informative and positive event.
“This is my first meeting of the SGP in my new office, and it was very encouraging to see how well things are progressing.
“Partnership is at the cornerstone of the Strategic Growth Plan for the Council area, and I was delighted to hear directly from some of the key partners involved in the delivery of some of the most significant projects which have the power to transform this City and District going forwards.
“I look forward to continuing to engage with all our partners over the coming months and having the opportunity to work with them in realising the aims and objectives now clearly set out on our pathway to progress.”
You can find out more about today’s meeting and the work of the Strategic Inclusive Growth Partnership at: growderrystrabane.com
