Derg firm honoured at NI construction awards

A CASTLEDERG construction firm has been honoured for their revival of the Ebrington Barracks at the Northern Ireland Master Builder Awards.

On Friday (May 23) The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) unveiled the winners at The Malone Hotel in Belfast, recognising the region’s most inspiring construction projects and the people who made them happen.

McKelvey Construction Ltd in Castlederg was awarded ‘Outstanding Builder of the Year’ for their works in redesigning Ebrington Barracks in Derry to be a four star hotel.

They also received an award for ‘Commercial or Public Sector Project’.

Their transformation of Derry’s iconic Ebrington military site into a four-star luxury hotel was described as being ‘a triumph of craftsmanship, heritage preservation and vision’.

Led by McKelvey Construction, the multi-million-pound redevelopment breathed new life into five derelict listed buildings, including the site’s commanding clocktower, combining painstaking conservation with high-spec design.

The result was a showpiece destination complete with 90 ensuite rooms, a spa, pool, bars, and conference facilities.

Behind the polish lies extraordinary leadership – from the site team’s dedication (including a hand-built wooden model of the hotel now on display) to the company’s commitment to community impact, with six apprentices hired during construction and over 100 full-time hospitality jobs created post-completion.

Judge Peter Keates said the project was, “A landmark build that pairs authenticity with commercial ambition.”

Second judge Astrid Madsen added, “This shows what local builders can achieve with the right leadership and partnership.”

Meanwhile a second Castlederg firm, Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Ltd, was named as ‘Business of the Year’ at the regional award ceremony.

In just two years, the company has grown from £32m to £51m in turnover, expanded its team from 70 to 110, and maintained one of the highest staff retention rates in the industry.

At the same time the company have provided extra training for their workers, including NEC training for staff and subcontractors, mental health campaigns, team-building on a stunt-driving course, and a commitment to diversity that’s grown under-25 and female representation across all departments.

Judge Astrid Madsen said, “They’re building more than homes – they’re building a company people want to work for.”

Elsewhere in Tyrone, Dungannon firm Alskea Ltd was awarded for their ‘Large Renovation Project’ in rejuvenating an abandoned hospital in Belfast.

The 100-year-old Belvoir Park Hospital, which is a listed building, had long sat empty until Alskea Ltd stepped in with an ambition to restore rather than demolish.

Their sensitive conversion delivered 29 luxurious apartments that honour the building’s origins through retained features such as sandstone emblems, terrazzo floors and the original clocktower.

Their client said, “Alskea gave us more than we hoped for. They saved a local landmark, gave it new life, and kept the entire process seamless. A total class act.”