'Productive' Glen meeting on Magee expansion

A public meeting organised by Derry’s Glen Development Initiative (GDI) to discuss the proposed expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus was described as “very productive”.

Speaking to Derry News following the meeting, which took place on Thursday evening in Glenview Community Centre, Adrian Kelly, GDI manager said the event was “very well attended by local residents”.

He said: “One of the key things which came out of the meeting was that everybody in the community, including ourselves, was supportive of the expansion of Magee. We  just think it has to happen in partnership with residents.”

According to Mr Kelly, there were upwards of 50 residents from across the area in attendance.

“There were people there from the Northland estate, in and around the streets adjacent to Magee, Glenview street and the surrounding area.

“There were people from the Lower Strand Road area - the people impacted around Duncreggan Road. Then we had people from the wider Rosemount area who have different HMOs (Houses In Multiple Occupation) in their streets, which have students living in them.

“The meeting went well. Gareth Kennedy, Ulster University’s residential manager gave a presentation, after which members of the community got the opportunity to air their concerns.

“GDI arranged the meeting on the back of previous consultation. It is one of a number of meetings we are planning to host because of other issues raised by local residents during that consultation. We thought it was vital for residents to engage with key stakeholders and have the opportunity of informed discussion.”

During the meeting, the over development of the area was discussed, particularly the high number of HMOs which are being used to house students.

Mr Kelly added: “Development associated with the expansion of Magee cannot be just concentrated on the Rosemount and Glen area. It has to be across the city. That point was reiterated at the meeting.

“Speakers pointed out there were sites available across the city. There is the Waterside area which could be made viable for student accommodation.

“In fairness to the University, it made residents aware that it was already developing a number of student accommodations. The newest one will be in Magazine Street, where the university has taken over two office blocks, in partnership with the inner City Trust. This development will potentially house 50 student.”

The GDI manager said it was good that Ulster University had engaged with local residents.

“There were questions from the floor about the University’s plans for Foyle College on Duncreggan Road. We knowFoyle College has been lying derelict for more than a year, so residents are rightly asking, ‘What is happening with that site, before you start building up here?’ he added.

“The University did concede Rosemount and this area of the Glen is at capacity and there should not be anymore HMOs put in streets up here, taking away from the community feeling of the area.

“The University said it wanted to work with us. Stephen Kelly, chairperson of the University Taskforce was here too. He welcomed the engagement by the University and local residents. 

“We are going to continue that process now. Not just with the University but looking at aspects of HMOs and parking and in the area. This is not all down to students living here, it also has to do with the capacity of the streets in this area.”

The GDI manager said a future public meeting would involve Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Environmental Health department’s Planning Service.

He added: “Environmental Health is responsible for looking after HMOs in terms of assessing regulations around fire escapes, fire extinguishers, and adequate egress and exits.”

'sustainable growth'

A spokesperson for Ulster University told Derry News: “It is clear that student accommodation in the City needs to grow alongside and support the sustainable growth in student numbers at our campus. We recognise the importance of being a good neighbour in this growth.

“Our neighbours will be a key stakeholder group for consultation on expansion, through the Taskforce and by the University.

“As a University we have significant recent experience and a good track record in this space, during the campus build in Belfast. 

“We invested resources in working with our neighbours in North Belfast and we will of course do the same for the expansion of Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry to ensure the views of our neighbours and communities are heard.

“We will continue to work closely with the Council, local Residents Associations and statutory bodies too.”