Derry City & Strabane District Council has sought the public's views on a new project which is set to transform the Fountain and Bogside area of the city.

The Realm Project will concentrate on improving the Urban Villages Area of the Fountain Estate and Bogside under the Executive Office's purview. It aims to create a safer, better-connected environment with an enhanced streetscape that is more appealing and user-friendly.

The concept plans were approved by Derry City and Strabane District Council's Environment and Regeneration Committee in May, and now the community is being encouraged to take the opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed improvements.

In the coming days, households in the area will receive correspondence outlining a series of engagement events set to occur at various venues in the area next week. Additionally, the plans will be accessible online for those unable to attend in person.

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The Realm Project stands as one of four key capital endeavours underway with support from The Executive Office Urban Villages Initiative in the Bogside and Fountain area. Its overarching goal is to establish a high-calibre environment that interconnects the four focal sites: New Gate Cultural Hub, Gasyard Heritage & Exhibition Centre, Redevelopment of Meenan Square, and the Realm Project itself, alongside other notable visitor attractions. This project aims to create an inviting and easily accessible communal space within the Bogside, Fountain and Bishop Street Urban Village Area.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Barr, said: "This is a great opportunity to see the concept plans before they are finalised and for the community to have their say. Much work has already gone into this area, and the improvements will make city centre venues and attractions like the New Gate Cultural Hub and the Gasyard Centre much more accessible for visitors. It will help connect our communities and build on the shared vision for the positive transformation of our city centre for the benefit of everyone."