Funding Announced For Public Realm Scheme In L'Derry

Funding totalling £650,000 has been announced for a high quality public realm scheme in Londonderry by Communities Minister Paul Girvan.

The scheme is to be developed for Nailors Row, with the Department of Communities providing more than £608,000, with Apex Housing Association contributing £42,000.

Improvements will include the replacement of paving with a high quality surface material, new street lighting and planting of trees and bedding plants. The installation of both fixed and retractable bollards will also restrict car parking and improve accessibility for emergency services.

Making the announcement, Minister Givan said: "Nailors Row occupies a very important space adjacent to the historic City Walls and these improvements will transform the area making it much more attractive, safer and user friendly for residents and visitors. The works will also complement the recently completed public realm in Bishop Street and a number of revitalisation projects across the City."

Welcoming the announcement, Apex Chief Executive Gerry Kelly added: "The unregulated car parking along Nailors Row has prevented emergency vehicles accessing Apex's homeless scheme at the House in the Wells. We are therefore indebted to the Department for Communities for providing funding to allow us to address this access issue while at the same time transform this somewhat neglected area into a pleasing public realm space for all to enjoy."

G M Design Associates have been appointed by Apex Housing Association Ltd. to develop the scheme design and oversee the project to completion. A tender process has commenced to appoint a contractor to deliver the construction works.

Works are expected to commence in January 2017 and be completed by May 2017.

(MH)