26 January 2007
URBAN DESIGN EXPERTS WILL DELIVER £8 MILLION TRANSFORMATION OF DERRY CITY CENTRE
The accelerating pace of regeneration in Londonderry received a further boost today, as the successful designer was named to transform the public realm within the city centre.
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP confirmed the appointment of Building Design Partnership (BDP), one of Europe’s leading urban design firms, to the project at Waterloo Place & Guildhall Square. The scheme, which is expected to cost up to £8 million, will involve significant improvement works to the area, creating a modern, vibrant urban landscape and incorporating a controlled traffic route through the existing pedestrian zone.
Mr Hanson commented, “Good urban design can create substantial economic value, and throughout Derry city centre we are witnessing unprecedented progress towards that goal. Just recently, my Department’s North West Development Office announced a £23 million development scheme on the nearby Foyle Street site that will create up to 400 new jobs and bring high quality hotel and residential accommodation together with new retail offerings to the heart of the city.
“Today’s announcement will complement this and other projects in the city centre, because urban design is not just about buildings. Well designed streets, squares and pavements are also crucial to creating a positive image of an impressive and attractive city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest in".
Local politicians and business representatives have for some time called for Government intervention to address the failings of the existing pedestrian zone and to reintroduce traffic as a means of making this part of the city centre more inviting for shoppers and visitors.
Mr Hanson continued: “I am confident that BDP, as an inter-disciplinary practice of architects, designers and engineers of international standing, with a proven track record of project delivery in cities such as Amsterdam, Lisbon, Madrid, Lyon and Melbourne, will deliver the scheme that Londonderry deserves.”
BDP will now produce comprehensive proposals for the scheme, which will be subject to public consultation. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2008, subject to obtaining planning permission and meeting all other statutory and due diligence requirements.
The new scheme will create a high quality public realm running from Waterloo Place through Guildhall Square and linking to the new development at Foyle Street. It will set the context for greater social interaction, support economic renewal and provide space for cultural activity and entertainment.
It will create a pedestrian friendly environment throughout the city centre by reducing the existing conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. It will also improve servicing and working arrangements for existing businesses in the area, establish a high quality managed market and reinforce the character of the connecting streets and public spaces. Innovative new lighting and public art will be introduced to further enhance the area.
Andrew Tindsley, BDP Landscape and Urbanism Director, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected to assist with the preparation of public realm proposals for the city centre. Derry is a beautiful city with a long history and we feel honoured to be given the opportunity to prepare proposals for the enhancement of its streets and public spaces.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Following a two stage European competition the Department for Social Development received fourteen tenders for the Derry city centre public realm project. Eight firms were short listed and following the appraisal process the tender from BDP was accepted.
- BDP International comprises ten offices in the UK and Ireland, an office in Singapore and French partner Groupe 6.
- The Secretary of State announced the scheme in December 2005, as part of a package regeneration measures for the city. The funding of £8M for the scheme has been made available from the Integrated Development Fund (IDF).
- For media enquiries contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07818 035 258.
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