Mayor welcomes start of work on Melvin Arena upgrade

Work on the much anticipated upgrade of the Melvin Sports Arena in Strabane began earlier this week, as contractors moved on to the site.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Brian Tierney, met with the team on site from local Construction Company RJ McKelvey Ltd, who have been appointed to undertake the work, which is expected to be completed by spring 2021.

The project involves a large scale upgrade of the facilities at Melvin Sports Arena including a new covered stand for up to 200 people, entrance booths and turnstiles, changing facilities and toilet provision. The work will bring the facility up to the required levels to meet the Premier Intermediate Standard.

Capital investment of £1.15M has been allocated to complete the work which is part of Council’s ambitious portfolio of capital development projects.

Councillor Tierney said the upgraded facility will be of major significance to sporting clubs in the area. “I am delighted to see work progress on this important project. With the recent COVID-19 restrictions on building work it’s fantastic that we have successfully reached this stage before the end of the summer.

 “I want to pay tribute to all who have been working so hard behind the scenes to enable our capital development work to continue. This upgrade is much needed and will make a real difference to a large number of sporting clubs in the area.

“The improvements will allow users such as our local sporting clubs to accommodate larger crowds at their games. It will also complement the existing multi-use sports ground at the site which comprises a natural grass football pitch surrounded by a shale running track and athletics area.

“Council is continuing to deliver on a major programme of leisure improvement and development right across Derry and Strabane. Health and wellbeing is one of the biggest priorities within the Strategic Growth Plan for Derry and Strabane, and providing access to state of the art facilities and programmes are key to delivering on our promise to achieve better health and wellbeing for all.”