Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced £125,000 funding to help conserve a hugely important listed building in L'Derry.

The funding boost will be given to Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin to help them purchase The Glassworks, formerly Great James’ Street Presbyterian Church.

A grant scheme, run by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has been used to do this. The scheme, the NIEA non government organisation grant scheme, is available to charities to help them purchase listed buildings at risk and conserve their architectural and historic character.

In 2013 the Minister provided extra support to the fund as part of a range of initiatives aimed at supporting the built heritage of Derry’s City of Culture. The Glassworks is the second building in the city to be helped under this scheme.

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Minister Durkan said: "Today's announcement is a significant boost for Derry’s built heritage. Our financial support will allow the building’s owners, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, to buy this long term building at risk. The Glassworks is a hugely important listed building within the city. Not only is it a fine building in its own right but it is also an important part of the Clarendon Street Conservation Area. As we have seen from the success of ‘Other Voices’, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and other events held in the building during 2013, it is also a very fine music venue. This purchase will allow plans to be put in place for the building’s conservation and for the venue to become an important part of the legacy of the City of Culture.

"This is what my Department is about - supporting and encouraging the beneficial use of our heritage to realise its full economic and social potential. I look forward to providing further support once a scheme of repairs has been developed."

(CD/MH)