Plans for new DARD HQ in Ballykelly are revealed

Plans for the new £20 million state-of-the art Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) headquarters at the site of the former Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly, have been revealed.

Back in February, preparatory work began on site and it is hoped that once approved, building work will being in 2016 with staff arriving at their new offices by the end of 2017.

The planning application for the building is to be submitted to the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council today.

The decentralisation of jobs to the new north west-based headquarters will be carried out in two phases with 350 staff moving in phase one when construction is complete in 2017 and the majority of the remaining posts in 2020 when phase two is complete.

An artist’s impression of the new building shows that the contemporary structure is designed to complement the architecture of the surrounding area while providing a modern working environment for some 600 staff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqujoN5QTKQ

Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill said: “Today is a key milestone in realising the £20 million vision we see for the DARD and the potential positive impact this move will have for the northwest.

“I am very keen that the new headquarters is viewed as part of village life and I have ensured that the building and it facilities have the potential to be used for other purposes that will benefit the local community and surrounding area,” added Mrs O’Neill.

Programme Director, Tom Kennedy said that it was an ‘exciting time’ for DARD and the local community in Ballykelly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WinUBG0iYTM “It is an exciting time and anytime I’m up here people remind me of that, so it very exciting for us as well,” said Tom.