Mayor turns the sod as work commences at ‘Derg Active’ sites

THE Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Patricia Logue, was in Castlederg on Friday for the official turning of the sod, as work got underway on The Diamond and Castle Park elements of the £6.5 million ‘Derg Active’ project.

‘Derg Active’ is an integrated economic, health and wellbeing initiative, incorporating infrastructure at a number of key sites in the town to promote and encourage more active lifestyles.

The project is funded though the UK Government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’ with £5,823,090 secured by council as part of a wider ‘Levelling Up’ package, all to create a high-quality public realm space at The Diamond in the centre of the town, new play provision and lighting at the Castle Park, and enhanced greenway connectivity at Dergview FC.

On Friday, the Mayor was joined by members of the project team, local councilors and representatives from the UK ‘Levelling Up’ Department, to mark the milestone.

It was previously announced that Lowry Building and Civil Engineering (LBCE), had been appointed to deliver the public realm space at the Diamond, and Gibson / Coleman JV were appointed to deliver the new play provision and greenway connectivity at the Castle Park and Dergview FC.

Works have now started on the Castle Park site, which will require a section of the park to be closed.

Tree removal will take place in The Diamond this week before the main upgrade works start later in spring.

It is expected to be completed by winter 2024.

The planning process is also already well underway for the delivery of the 3G multi-sport pitch at Mitchell Park, and work will begin there later this year, subject to planning approval.