Construction to begin on Derry's Inner Walled City Public Realm project welcomed
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the decision to retain the Society Street was a 'victory for common sense'
The announcement that construction is to commence on the Inner Walled City Public Realm Scheme in Derry, has been welcomed.
The Inner Walled City Public Realm Scheme will upgrade the Bank Place, Union Hall Place, Magazine Street, Palace Street and Society Streets areas of the city centre through improved new public footways, carriageways, street lighting and furniture.
Following discussions with local businesses and residents, it was decided to retain the Society Street car park which was orginally due to be replaced with an open space
The works, which are due to start in summer 2024 and will last for approximately 18 months.
Welcoming the announcement, SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said the decision to retain the 20-space Society Street car park was 'victory for common sense'.
Mr Durkan said: "News that construction on the Inner Walled City Public Realm Scheme will begin soon is very much welcomed.
"I welcome the investment in the city that will help improve the aesthetic of the city centre.
"I also am glad to see that common sense has prevailed with the retention of the Society Street car park. Following concerns raised by local businesses and residents it is good to see the Department of Communities take on board what was said.
"The loss of the car park in Society Street would have had an adverse effect on local traders and would have caused even more problems in regards to parking in the city centre with the upcoming works on Foyle Street set to begin.
"I actually support the pedestrianisation of areas within the city centre but it has to be done strategically and not in a piecemeal approach.
"Better consultation between departments and local stakeholders is needed for any future projects."