Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland has announced funding towards a new state of the art sports facility in L'Derry.

Speaking from the site of the proposed North West Regional Sports Campus, Minister McCausland said: "I am pleased to announce £656,000 funding towards this new £11.7million regional centre of sports excellence in Londonderry. This facility will not just serve the city but will benefit athletes across Northern Ireland. The ability to hold large scale indoor events in the venue will leave a lasting legacy following next year’s UK City of Culture programme."

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The £11.7 million St Columb’s Park project is being managed by the City Council of Londonderry and will serve as a regional centre of excellence for Judo, Wrestling and Mountaineering. The campus will also feature a swimming pool, fitness suite, multi-sports hall, office space, changing facilities and a 3rd Generation synthetic floodlit pitch complex. Work is scheduled to start in March 2013 with an expected completion date of June 2014.

The Mayor of the City, Kevin Campbell said: "The North West Regional Sports Campus is one of Derry City Council’s key strategic development projects for delivery. We are delighted that the Department of Social Development has handed over the Contract for Funding so that we can progress with the next phase of the project. The Campus is a significant capital project for the city which will not only see the development of additional outreach facilities but enable us to attract high profile events for the benefit of the city and region. Derry City Council remains committed to advancing and delivering this significant capital project for the city and region in close partnership with the DSD and other partners."

(CD)