Brandywell redevelopment: Contractor identified and work expected to start next month

A contractor has been identified to deliver the long-awaited multi-pound Brandywell Stadium redevelopment with work expected to commence next month.

The news has been welcomed by SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney who was speaking after a meeting of the local council at which an update on progress with the project was provided.

It is understood the stadium will close to the public on November 24.

Cllr Tierney said: “I am delighted to hear that a contractor has been identified and I hope to see work commence very soon. This will come as welcome news to all users of Brandywell Stadium, especially the fans of Derry City Football Club.

"Derry City have had a fantastic year with European football guaranteed next season, and the team and supporters deserve a stadium befitting their stature within the league.

"The redevelopment work will undoubtedly present some logistical problems for the club and the greyhound racing fraternity, but those hurdles can be overcome.

“This has been a very lengthy process involving engagement and consultation with stakeholders across community and sporting sectors and this announcement is a major milestone in the history of the Brandywell.

"All in all, this is positive news for the city and I look forward to seeing contractors on site in the very near future."

On a related matter Councillor Tierney proposed that the Council prepare an application for a multi-million pound Executive fund to further enhance facilities at the Brandywell.

He added: "The Sub Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer is a £36m fund managed by the Northern Ireland Executive to improve facilities throughout the North. A similar project saw over £100m invested in Belfast at Windsor Park, Ravenhill and the controversial Casement Park.

"The programme has been subject to a lengthy consultation period and the Communities Minister Paul Givan has recently stated that he expects the fund to be open for applications in the coming months.

"We should definitely apply to this fund to further enhance facilities at the Brandywell. We have had positive news today, but we should not rest on our laurels - we should be doing everything in our power to draw down funding to improve our sporting facilities and this is an excellent opportunity.”

Cllr Tierney concluded: "It is worth noting that the vast majority of the cost of the redevelopment of the Brandywell has been paid by local ratepayers. The Executive has only contributed £1m after spending over £100m in Belfast - it's time we got our fair share."