Contractor appointed to redevelop vacant Derry city centre site into accomodation for over 55s
Delargy welcomes move to address Waterloo Street ‘eyesore’
A contractor has been appointed to redevelop a vacant Derry city centre site into accomodation for people aged over 55.
The announcement regarding the derelict site at the foot of Waterloo Street has been welcomed by Foyle MLA, Pádraig Delargey (Sinn Féin).
"This is positive news and finally, after several false dawns, preparatory work will commence in the coming weeks with the main construction work commencing in early 2026," said Mr Delargy.
"I recently met with the contractor - Newtownstewart Construction, Clanmil Housing, local businesses and City Centre Initiative (CCI) and I want to praise their commitment to addressing this eyesore in the middle of our town," he added.
"There is clearly a long term ambition here to redevelop the site but short term measures must be put in place to avoid negative impacts on local businesses and to address the eyesore that is derelict space in the middle of our town.
"Developing specific over 55s accommodation in the city centre is positive and it must be met with the proper resourcing and infrastructure to support people living there.
"The site will be under development for some time and naturally there will be some disruption but I am confident in the assurances given to us by the contractors that they, alongside CCI, will work closely with businesses in the area as well as being cognisant of the fact this is a heavily used pedestrian area. We have been given assurances that all necessary safety measures will be put in place.
"I look forward to seeing the work commencing and will continue to engage with all relevant bodies to see this work progress as quickly as possible."