Plans for a new community facility in the Shantallow area of L'Derry have been boosted with a key appointment.

P&K McKaigue Ltd will take the scheme forward as Main Contractor, with Shantallow being prioritised among a number of areas in need of investment following a review of community facilities right across Derry and Strabane.

An investment of £2.4 million has been pledged to the project and work is expected to begin in January 2020.

A second community centre is also at an advanced stage of procurement for the neighbouring Galliagh estate providing much needed facilities in the Outer North Neighbourhood Renewal Area, significantly improving the community infrastructure and available shared space in the area.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, said: "Investment in local communities is a major priority for Council and that commitment is evident in the significant capital investment in new facilities in recent years. The new centres will become vibrant and busy community hubs, facilitating new activities and the delivery of vital services within Shantallow and Galliagh.

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"There are great ambitions for the transformation of the city's community areas as outlined in both the Strategic Growth Plan and the Local Development Plans and we need the infrastructure and facilities in place to realise these aspirations. I really look forward to seeing the plans move now to the next stage as quickly as possible."

The Department for Communities is contributing £1.7m towards the two new community facilities.

Sharon McCullagh, Deputy Director, Community Empowerment Division of the Department for Communities added: "After many years of partnership working with Council and the local community in respect of both Shantallow and Galliagh community centres I am delighted the aspirations of the community can now progress to reality. I welcome the appointment of the contractor for the Shantallow Community Centre and the progression of the procurement process for the Galliagh Community Centre project.

"The Department for Communities through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund has committed £1m to Shantallow Community Centre and £0.7m to Galliagh Community Centre. Both these projects will significantly improve community infrastructure and space in the Outer North Neighbourhood Renewal Area. They will facilitate continued delivery of community-based programmes and services and an improved environment that will contribute to more confident and sustainable communities. I really look forward to the development of both these projects on the ground."

(CM/MH)