NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster brought a spark to Saturday's official opening of a regeneration project at the Old City Fire Station, Londonderry.

The Minister unveiled Derry City Council's conservation-led economic regeneration project of the Grade B2 listed building on Hawkin Street, located on the edge of the city centre.

The Old City Fire Station, also situated near to the Fountain Estate and the historic City Walls, underwent a complete restoration, including the provision of a new two-storey extension to create almost 3,000 square feet of high quality office accommodation. 



Ms Foster, who recognised the completion of the restoration as an important physical and economic regeneration scheme, said: "This project, led by the City Council here in Londonderry, will have positive benefits for the immediate area through bringing a vacant building back into productive use and creating additional employment space."

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The Old City Fire Station Regeneration Project is identified as a key action within the council’s Economic Development Plan.



The total project, valued at around £950,000, was part-financed by Derry City Council, through its Economic Development Plan, as well as gaining funding from the Department for Enterprise Trade & Investment, through the European Regional Development Fund Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme. 




The Mayor of Derry City Council, Drew Thompson said the aim of the project was to promote the growth of knowledge-based creative industries within the historic walled city.

"This project is one of a number of initiatives which will add to, and enhance the natural cluster of creative industry facilities that exist within the Cathedral Quarter vicinity," said Mr Thompson.



"I am sure that this project will also complement the ongoing regeneration of other buildings within the immediate vicinity and help to realise the potential of this part of the city centre including the Fountain Estate," he added.

Ironically, in June 2006 the Old City Fire Station was itself the victim of an overnight fire, causing extensive damage to the first floor and roofing of the premises, which however failed to put the restoration project at risk.

Fortunately, council officers deemed that the building could be saved, ensuring the planned investment could go ahead.

(PR)