The regeneration company Ilex is set to take a lead role in a £10m investment in vital venues, community infrastructure and physical enhancement in Londonderry.

Ilex will take the initiative in preparation for the UK City of Culture Events in 2013.

The outgoing Stormont Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has already made a rallying call for organisations to bid for a slice of the City of Culture Capital funding he said he had secured for the city.

Also during his visit - at the end of March - Minister Attwood took the opportunity to view construction work on a new office block for his Department of Social Development (DSD) on the Clondermot site.

This project, which is being undertaken by the Waterside Development Trust, will deliver a high quality 15,000 square foot building which will provide office and community facilities for Derry City Council Groundwork and the Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership.

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He said that DSD is also working with Derry City Council to upgrade the pitches and the changing facilities on the site and has provided funding of some £60,000 in the current financial year in support of this project.

Commenting on the City of Culture Capital funding, the SDLP former Assembly Minister wants the local community to benefit as much as possible while contributing to a really successful year.

"This is a one-off opportunity to make that happen," he said.

"Ilex will shortly commence a process to procure a demountable pavilion, which will accommodate 8,000 people.

"This would be a plum venue for competing for the likes of the BRIT Awards and Sports Personality of the Year," he said, noting that up to £1m of funding will also be provided to enhance a number of retail areas on both the Cityside and Waterside.

The City Centre Initiative, working in partnership with traders and other stakeholders, have been asked to develop Action Plans that will improve a number of the retail streets across the City to attract more visitors and shoppers into these areas especially in the evening.

"I am also making an open call for expressions of interest from organisations to enhance the City's cultural community infrastructure.

"A significant amount of this funding will be used to improve and develop cultural venues and services. It is key to the success of the City of Culture that the community, in its broadest sense, benefits from the many events that will take place in the City during 2013 and beyond and venues that will host events and attract tourists and visitors alike must be to the highest possible standard for now and into the future."

Welcoming the announcement of funding, Mayor, Councillor Colum Eastwood said the investment recognises the potential of the City of Culture and creates immediate delivery opportunities.

(BMcC/GK)