The US Consul General paid a recent visit to the University of Ulster’s Magee campus and was briefed on major expansion plans for the site.

Professor Deirdre Heenan, Dean of Academic Development at Magee, briefed Belfast-based Kamala Lakhdhir and her deputy, Kevin Roland, on the plans for the Derry campus and their potential impact for North West regeneration.

"I was particularly delighted to be able to welcome them to the campus just when Derry has been shortlisted for UK Capital of Culture 2013," said Professor Heenan.

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"The University’s development plans for Magee mirror the energy and innovation that infuse the city of culture initiative. The campus already has a huge input to the cultural life of the city as a sponsor and centre of excellence in performance and research in creative arts such as music, dance and drama, and in nurturing creative and cultural industries.

"I was able to tell the Consul General that the University is whole-heartedly supporting the bid and is committed to helping shape Derry's success as confident and comfortable city, a city of culture and a knowledge city."

She continued: "The diplomats showed a keen interest in the city’s regeneration plans and it was an honour to welcome them to the campus. They said they would like to return for a more in-depth visit and I look forward to updating them further then."

SDLP MP, Mark Durkan, accompanied the Consul General and her deputy during the visit.

(NS/GK)