Melvin Arena is set to receive a major upgrade after Derry City and Strabane District Council approved funding for professional-grade floodlighting on the site's existing grass pitch.

The decision was made at a Special Council meeting this week.

The investment aims to modernise the facilities to meet the standards required for high-level competitive football, while also improving safety and access for the wider community. The floodlighting will enable local clubs to host evening matches, increasing the capacity of the facility and supporting Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) level competition.

Elected members were told that the lights will meet league requirements for professional men's and women's football. The project also includes low-level lighting for the running track, enhancing safety for evening runners and recreational users in an area identified as having significant social disadvantage.

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The upgrade follows a successful first phase completed in 2020, which delivered new team-changing facilities, referee accommodation, and DDA-compliant access improvements.

Council members approved an additional £130,000 in capital funding, bringing the total project cost to £385,000. This budget covers construction, professional fees, and contingencies. The Council also endorsed a detailed assessment of further stadium enhancements to ensure the long-term viability of the site and agreed to conduct a full environmental impact assessment as part of the detailed design process.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, who chaired the meeting, said: "The investment will bring high-quality, safe, and accessible facilities for everyone in the local community and the additional funding will allow the Council to deliver a modern arena that serves as a cornerstone for local sport and community well-being."