New project to explore history of Derry streets

A new project has been launched to explore the history of two of Derry’s oldest streets.

The Heritage Streets Alive 2015 project wants present and former residents of Chamberlain Street (pictured) and Fountain Street in the city centre to get involved in protecting the built heritage of the areas.

Organisers of the project say the historic streets are as important to the city as famous buildings.

A series of workshops will take place in the coming weeks to give people a chance to get involved in the initiative.

The Heritage Streets Alive 2015 project is being co-ordinated by the Peace Walls Project and the Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter committee.

It will also look at the history of Church Lane in Letterkenny. Mary Kerrigan, Built Environment Educator with Heritage Streets Alive 2015, welcomed the launch of the project.

“Heritage Streets Alive 2015 is about all of us coming together to make a difference within our street communities, inquiring into the existing strengths and being part of something that makes our street better for its community.

“This unique and ground breaking project is fundamental to bringing these streets' strengths into a co-created better future.

“Heritage Streets Alive 2015 is highly relevant for individuals and organisations from these particular streets and related key stakeholders who might also be involved in the Urban Villages Project for the Fountain and Bogside estates; or participating in the Derry City and Strabane District Council’s new community planning process.”

The first workshops will take place in Derry next week.

They will look at the strengths of these important historic streets and delving into what underlines them.

Places are limited and must be booked by noon today.

To register for Fountain Street and Chamberlain Street workshops contact Sophie Blake-Gallagher on 028 7126 1916 or [email protected].