Investment in preparation for UK City of Culture 2013

Minister McCausland said: “I am pleased to announce that my Department has already committed almost £9 million of the £10 million secured to support Londonderry’s preparations to host the UK City of Culture 2013. The investment in venues, public realm and cultural and community infrastructure projects will help to ensure that the city is ready for the commencement of the City of Culture celebrations at the end of this year.”

The Minister added: “In February this year I announced commencement of public realm works at Queen’s Quay. Today, I am pleased to update that this scheme, one of 13 such schemes across the city, will be completed at the end of this month and will transform a key part of the riverside.”

The Department for Social Development, through its North West Development Office has invested over £2 million in 13 infrastructure projects throughout the city. The works carried out to upgrade footpaths and improve lighting and road surfaces can be seen at locations including Queen’s Quay, Spencer Road, Water Street, Foyle Street, Strand Road and Baronet Street.

Working in partnership with City Centre Initiative, the Department has also delivered the ReStore project which has enhanced business premises in Bank Place/Union Hall Place and Spencer Road. Not only will these projects enhance the appearance of the city for visitors attending the year long programme of events but the use of UK City of Culture 2013 funding will provide a legacy for the residents of the city.

Minister McCausland said: “The voluntary and community sector has an important role to play in both preparing for and contributing to the celebrations next year. I am pleased to announce that under the cultural and community infrastructure strand, a number of projects have received funding that will help to upgrade community facilities and will facilitate the sector’s full participation in a range of 2013 celebratory events.”

Among the projects funded under the cultural and community infrastructure strand administered by Ilex Urban Regeneration Company Ltd, in partnership with Arts Council NI, is the Village Square project which will be delivered by the Inner City Trust. The £260,000 investment in this project will see the creation of a large glazed roof canopy erected within an area of the Craft Village. This area will provide a multi-purpose venue for events regardless of the weather.

In addition, funding of just over £200,000 has also been provided to the Gasyard Development Trust for the refurbishment of the Gasyard centre. The multi-purpose venue will provide a new platform to rehearse and perform music, a dedicated dance studio, and a dedicated space for exhibitions which will concentrate on the story of the Peace Process.