Planning permission has been granted for the refurbishment and re-use the existing Grade B1-listed former Waterside Railway Station in Derry/L'Derry.

The new £27 million North-West Multimodal Transport Hub will include an active travel centre, passenger facilities, a café, retail space and staff facilities with office accommodation and other let-able space on the first floor.

In addition, associated infrastructure works will include changes to track and signalling, new station platforms and canopies as well as an enhanced Park and Ride car park. A public realm scheme will also be developed with landscaping and street furniture, while a new Greenway will link into the riverside walk at Ebrington.

Welcoming the decision by members of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee, Mayor Maoliosa McHugh said the refurbishment of the Station was part of a wider project, the North West Multimodal Transport Hub scheme, that aims to integrate transport facilities across the North West region, provide opportunity for active travel and modal shift and to contribute to the physical regeneration of the Waterside area of the city.

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He said: "Council has been working very closely with a range of partners including the lead partner Department for Infrastructure, Translink and Donegal County Council to develop a wider multi modal transport HUB for the region that includes the re-development of the railway station in the Waterside, the development of a greenway from the HUB directly to the peace bridge, as well as improved integration of cross border public transport services."

Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Dan Kelly, said: "Not only is this project good news for the Waterside area of the city, it offers the opportunity moving forward to consider improved connectivity with Duke Street and Spencer Road, and to improve the quality of the public realm in the areas adjacent to the HUB. Council officers are currently working with colleagues in the Department of Communities and the Department for Infrastructure in order to explore these opportunities. This is a major investment for the city and wider region, allowing us to improve sustainable transport and connectivity the opportunity to secure additional investment and to promote regeneration in our city and district.

Head of Projects at Translink, John Glass, said: "We are delighted that the committee has approved the proposals and has recognised the merits that the Multi Modal Transport Hub will provide.

"This decision marks the beginning of a significant transformation in the way people travel in the North-West region."

(MH/LM)