Upgrade works on Bishop's Field synthetic pitch have recently been completed by Derry City Council.

The area has been transformed from sand-filled carpet to a state-of-the-art 3G facility, with replacement internal and external fencing.

Over the past few months the facility has undergone significant refurbishment, with the entire upgrade of Bishop's Field taking place in three phases.

Phase one saw the construction of the third generation pitch, which was funded by Sport Northern Ireland under its Places for Sport Programme (£238,000).

Phase two was funded by the Department for Social Development who provided £115,000 for the refurbishment of the fence.

Derry City Council's Parks Development Budget and Capital Fund provided funding of £75,000 for phase three of the upgrade, which was the construction of external fencing.

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Derry Mayor Paul Fleming welcomed the refurbishment saying the completion of the project marked a significant investment in sports facilities for the area.

"The Bishop's Field is a popular and well utilised public sporting facility and news that completion of the enhanced facilities is very welcome. It is hoped that as a result of this investment, the use of this facility can be extended to encourage more people to enjoy sporting activities," he said.

Gerry Quinn, chair of Triax Neighbourhood Partnership Board, said: "The redevelopment of Bishops Field and the wider Central Dive area has been a priority for Triax for a number of years and we are working continuously to see a complete overhaul of the entire area. We are confident that further developments will happen in the very near future."

John Kelpie, City Engineer with Derry City Council welcoming the investment by Sport Northern Ireland in assisting council to utilise new sports and play facilities in the Council area.

"The council embarked on an extensive programme of works to resurface the synthetic pitch in Creggan by replacing the existing 16-year-old sand filled surface at Bishop's Field to a new third generation facility," he said.

(PR/JM)