The regeneration of Derry's city centre took a step forward today with two significant announcements by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie.

During a visit to the city, the Minister announced that Newmarket Street and Linenhall Street are to receive a major upgrade costing £1million. Ms Ritchie also announced a £1.5million award in Urban Development Grants to three key redevelopment schemes in the city centre.

Speaking during a walkabout in the city, she said: "I was in Derry in May to launch the initial designs for the £8 million transformation of Waterloo Place & Guildhall Square. My announcement today reflects the pace of change within the city centre, with the creation of high quality public spaces and the redevelopment of key buildings demonstrating Derry's confidence in its future."

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Significant improvements are planned to the two streets including realignment and resurfacing of the roadway, upgrading of footpaths using high quality materials complemented by attractive landscaping, new lighting and street furniture. The scheme will be completed by specially-commissioned street art reflecting Derry's history and status.

FP McCann Ltd will be the main contractor for the Newmarket/Linenhall scheme, which is due to be completed in February 2008.

Ms Ritchie also said that three buildings in the city centre, including the well-known Northern Counties Building, will be redeveloped and a new building constructed at a vacant site in Pennyburn.

Emphasising the important role that Urban Development Grants play in regenerating areas of dereliction, the Minister said: "These three projects are being undertaken at a total cost of over £9million and have the potential to create 260 jobs for Derry.

"The Northern Counties will be revitalised at a cost of £3.7million and will create a second flagship building and both developments will be linked by well designed streets and public spaces that will be the focus of urban vitality."

The Minister's itinerary also included a tour of the Fort George and Ebrington Barracks sites where she was apprised of development plans by ILEX Chief Executive, Bill Kirk.

(LC)