Contractors appointed for £6.5 million project

CONTRACTORS have been appointed for the latest work on a £6.5 million project aimed at transforming Castlederg.

Lowry Building and Civil Engineering have been appointed to deliver a public realm space at the Diamond in the town centre, while Gibson Brothers will deliver new play provision and greenway connectivity at the Castle and Dergview FC.

Back in October 2021, Derry City and Strabane District Council secured £5,823,090 from the UK ‘Levelling Up’ Fund to deliver the Derg Active Project, which has since risen due to inflation.

The funding was part of an overall £15.5m funding pot secured by the council to deliver on three strategic projects across the council area.

A core element of the Derg Active Project is to deliver a high-quality public realm at the Diamond in the centre of the town.

Cllr Ruairí McHugh said the completion of the work would have a ‘transformative’ effect on the local area.

Cllr McHugh said, “I welcome confirmation that contractors have now been appointed to undertake the green infrastructure element of the transformative project for Castlederg.

“The works include the creation of a high-quality public realm space at the Diamond, new play provision and lighting at the Castle and enhanced greenway connectivity at Dergview FC.

“The planning process is already well underway for the delivery of the 3G multi-sport Pitch at Mitchell Park, and work will begin later this year.

“The ‘Green Infrastructure’ element will deliver wide-ranging benefits to the community in terms of overall health and wellbeing.”

Cllr McHugh added, “I am delighted that this project is coming to fruition after sustained lobbying within council and many subsequent meetings to secure regeneration projects for the town.”