Plans have been unveiled for new Drumahoe District Park on the outskirts of Derry.
A new play garden, wildflower meadow, meeting space, synthetic pitch and changing rooms are planned for Drumahoe following a grant of £1million from the Big Lottery Funds Space & Place programme.
The new park which will also feature increased access to Drumahoe pitches as well as a walking trail along the River Faughan, is one of three Flagship Space & Place projects across Northern Ireland receiving grants to help communities transform unused or under-utilised spaces and connect more people.
The Drumahoe project will see the development of a new park on the site of the old Faughan Valley School and seeks to reclaim and transform the existing derelict space.
One of the aspects of the project was the extensive collaboration in bringing forward the application to Space and Place between Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Drumahoe Community Association, Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, Tullyally Community Partnership, Education Authority Western Region, and Drumahoe Primary School.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of the Drumahoe Steering Group, Hillary McClintock said the steering group for the Drumahoe District Park were delighted and “so excited” at the prospect of transforming the derelict site into a facility which would be enjoyed not only by local children but by people from many parts of the city and district.
She added: “This funding has opened up an opportunity to provide much needed facilities in this neglected and vacant site as well as opening up access leading to the very scenic River Faughan.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.