The proposed new community centre in Glenview, L'Derry, has been given a boost following progressive discussions during a council meeting.

Derry City and Strabane District Council's Health and Community Committee met in the Guildhall this week, delivering updates on the scheduled development in Glenview.

An Integrated Consultant Team (ICT) is set to join the design team after council members approved funding for the appointment. They will work with the Council and the Glen Development Initiative (GDI) on the project.

Once appointed, the ICT will ensure that the design of the new facility meets the accommodation needs of the community sector, as identified through the revised Business Case for this project. The ICT will also ensure the design meets with the normal statutory approvals required for such building developments.

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The first task for the ICT will be to undertake an investigation of possible sites for the new centre and then undertake a criteria based options appraisal of the possible sites to identify the optimum location for the new centre, with details of the proposed site being brought back to members for consideration at a future date.

Welcoming the report and the decision to proceed with the appointment of the ICT, Chair of the Health and Community Committee, Cllr Paul Fleming said: "The advancement of a range of Community centre developments at locations across the Council area remain a key objective of the Council's Strategic Growth Plan. This is welcome news for those in the Glen area of Derry and a step in the right direction towards agreeing a location and design for any new centre at Glenview."

Discussions were also had regarding strong support for the centre to be located in the adjoining Glen Park, but all parties involved are not confident a number of challenges can be overcome. They include its close proximity to Creggan reservoir and the associated flood risks, as well as issues around vehicular access to the building to comply with DfI – Roads requirements.

The first phase of work will see site options finalised and initial design completed. Following this, a further report will be presented to Council.

The project is expected to cost £1.8 million, with £900,000 pledged within the Council's capital programme.

(CM/JG)