Derry City and Strabane District Council's Clooney Terrace Cannon Regeneration Project has scooped this year's prestigious RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Northern Ireland Award for Planning Excellence, in the category of Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture.

Announced on June 10 at the RTPI Welcome Celebration Event at Malone House, Belfast, the award recognises the council's strong leadership and collaborative work with contractors and community partners in transforming the historic Clooney Cannon site into a revitalised public space that both preserves and enhances its heritage value.

The £215,000 scheme, completed in 2024, was carried out in partnership with the Bonds Street Community Association and Clooney All Saints Church of Ireland, with full funding provided by the Department for Communities.

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Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, welcomed the award win: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from the RTPI. It is a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved through genuine community partnership and thoughtful planning. The Clooney Cannon project not only honours our shared past but also creates a lasting space that will benefit local residents and visitors alike for generations to come. I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge well done and congratulations to everyone involved in this impressive project."

Construction contractors delivered a wide range of environmental and structural enhancements, including the restoration of the Crimean War-era cannon, new seating installations, planting schemes, lighting and interpretive signage.

Significant construction works also included the creation of a new pathway linking the cannon site to the church garden, improved access infrastructure, new boundary railings and integrated sympathetic lighting to showcase the site's historical features. The regeneration was focused on high-quality craftsmanship and sensitive material use to reflect the area's cultural significance.

The RTPI Northern Ireland Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate innovation, leadership and impact in planning across the region. The Clooney Terrace Cannon Regeneration Project stood out among a competitive field for its thoughtful integration of heritage and community needs, showcasing the power of planning to shape meaningful, inclusive spaces.