A total of £650,000 is to go towards creating a public realm scheme for Nailors Row in L'Derry, it has been announced.

The Department for Communities has pledged more than £608,000 towards the scheme. It is being developed in conjunction with Apex Housing Association, who are also contributing £42,000 towards the project.

Work will include replacing the paving with a high quality surface material, new street lighting, and planting trees and bedding plants. Both fixed and retractable bollards will also be installed to restrict car parking and improve accessibility for emergency services.

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Commenting on the funding, Communities Minister Paul Givan said: "Nailors Row occupies a very important space adjacent to the historic City Walls and these improvements will transform the area making it much more attractive, safer and user friendly for residents and visitors.

"The works will also complement the recently completed public realm in Bishop Street and a number of revitalisation projects across the City."

Gerry Kelly, Apex Chief Executive, added: "The unregulated car parking along Nailors Row has prevented emergency vehicles accessing Apex's homeless scheme at the House in the Wells.

"We are therefore indebted to the Department for Communities for providing funding to allow us to address this access issue while at the same time transform this somewhat neglected area into a pleasing public realm space for all to enjoy."

Apex Housing Association has appointed G M Design Associates to develop the scheme design and oversee the project to completion. A tender process has commenced to appoint a contractor to deliver the construction works.

It is anticipated that works will commence in January 2017 and be completed by May 2017.

(JP/LM)