Derry and Strabane Council members approve funding to upgrade Melvin Arena to NIFL standards

Local football facilities at Melvin Arena are set for a significant enhancement following a new proposal to install professional-grade floodlighting to the site’s existing grass pitch, after elected members of Derry City and Strabane District Council approved the funding at a Special Council meeting this week.

The investment aims to modernise the facilities and ensure it meets the standards required for high-level competitive football, while also improving safety and access for the wider community.

The proposed upgrade is part of a broader vision to transform Melvin Arena into a premier sporting hub. The addition of high-level floodlighting will allow local clubs to host matches during evening hours, effectively increasing the facility's capacity and enabling it to support Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) level competition.

Elected members at the meeting were informed that the installation of floodlighting on the grass pitch is designed to meet specific league requirements, allowing for professional-level men’s and women’s football. Beyond sports, the project includes low-level lighting for the surrounding running track, significantly enhancing safety for evening runners and recreational users in an area identified as having significant social disadvantage.

The report presented to Council outlined how the project follows a successful first phase of upgrades that were completed in 2020, and delivered new team-changing facilities, referee accommodation, and DDA-compliant access improvements.

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Elected members approved a recommendation to authorise an additional £130,000 in capital funding to meet the updated total project cost of £385,000, which covers construction, professional fees, and contingencies and endorsed the findings of the initial scoping review to proceed with a detailed assessment of further stadium enhancements to ensure the long-term viability of the site.

It was also agreed that a full environmental impact assessment would be initiated as part of the detailed design process to ensure the new lighting meets all regulatory and sustainability standards.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, who chaired the meeting said the investment will bring high-quality, safe, and accessible facilities for everyone in the local community and the additional funding will allow the Council to deliver a modern arena that serves as a cornerstone for local sport and community well-being.