The government has offered-up a derelict Londonderry car park to potential developers, in a bid to push forward further regeneration in the city's Waterside area.

Officials first put the site on the market in 2003, and later again in 2005. On both occasions no development proposals progressed.

The space, located in Derry's commerical heart, overlooks the River Foyle, in an area where much successful redevelopment has taken place in the last number of years.

Social Development Minister Margaret Richie described the site as an "important development opportunity", in the city's commercial core.

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"I know there is interest in this site and I am now inviting prospective developers to bring forward innovative proposals that will further transform this part of the city," she said.

Department officials will seek proposals that complement and build on the regeneration work recently undertaken in partnership with the private sector on Spencer Road.

An award winning health centre was built on the road in December 2007, which the minister said set new design standards in the area and stimulated investment.

"The Spencer Road/Fountain Hill site presents another opportunity for the department to work in partnership with others to bring forward a project that will maximise the potential of this location," said Ms Ritchie.

"The end result must be another well designed building housing much needed jobs in this area of the city," she added.

(PR/JM)