Derry City and Strabane District Council and Derry City FC has confirmed that the initial stages of redevelopment works at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium will begin later this week.

The planned enabling works will demolish the northern end of the existing Southend Stand, to make space for the construction of the new North Stand. Works will also include the removal of seating in Blocks A and B of the Southend Stand, the disconnection of services, the dismantling of the roof steel frame and cladding, followed by the complete demolition of the concrete terracing.

It is expected that these enabling works will take four to six weeks to complete, after which the building of the new stand will commence.

Planning permission was granted in October last year for the partial demolition of the Southend Stand and the development of a safe standing covered terrace, male and female toilet facilities, two sets of turnstiles and access gates and other associated works.

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Derry City FC with the support and assistance of the stadium owners Derry City and Strabane District Council are funding the redevelopment works.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Patricia Logue welcomed the news that contractors will be on site this week, and acknowledged the huge amount of work done to date by Council officers and the football club to progress the project to this important stage in such a short period of time. She said the new stand would be a great asset to the club, its supporters and the wider community and extended her best wishes to everyone involved.

Sean Barrett, Derry City FC's Chief Executive said:

"An awful lot of work has gone into the preparation and planning for the new development and we're obviously very pleased that contractors will now be on site from this week.

"The new stand will be a fantastic addition to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and will really enhance the match-night experience for supporters.

"I want to thank Derry City & Strabane Council for their help and co-operation to date and look forward to seeing the project through to its successful conclusion."

Council and the Club will continue to work in close partnership through the various stages of the project works."