'Urban Beach' in Derry idea floated to improve 'ghost town' night life

An 'Urban Beach' idea was included as an 'illustrative example' in a report focused on improving Derry and Strabane Council's Evening and Night Time Economy (ENTE).

The idea, which shows a man-made beach along a quay, was one of many ideas presented in a council report presented Derry and Strabane Council's Business and Culture Committee Meeting on Tuesday.

Other examples include events on the Foyle such as a floating/moored restaurant, water-based adventure park, night time projections and floating stages, and night-time Paddle Boarding.

The document states the ideas are intended to 'highlight some initiatives that might be developed within an ENTE'. It emphasised the ideas 'have not been agreed, planned, resourced or costed' but are to help 'vision up' the development of ENTE.

Cllr Grace Uí Niallais said an updated night time economy is 'definitely needed' as the city and district is a 'ghost town at night'.

“[The report] says if it was approved by members as a way forward then it needs to be considered as part of the rates process,” the Sinn Féin councillor said.

“Is there any idea of a rough cost as we all know - given the current financial situation we're in with cuts in the rate support grant - it's a struggle to find where that money could come from? If it can't come from there, then we need to look at where else it could come from.”

A Council Officer said he's reluctant to put any number on a budget yet. He said the initial budget needed would be to hire a consultant to build on this report prepared by the council officer.

“Then there's what the actions are from there and that's really where the rates money would kind of kick in,” he said.

“I'm trying to reach out to set up a meeting with DfC [Department for Communities] to see if there is any possibility of doing something together on the night time economy on that consultancy piece so it might be less of an ask to Council and we can take that first step.”

In the meantime, as a cheap and immediate solution, Cllr Uí Niallais asked if it would be possible to promote local groups that open at night on social media. The Council Officer said they would be very open to this.

The ENTE report comes following a motion passed by Council which stated:

“Much of the city shuts down after 6pm, with only a limited range of cafes and other amenities available, and even fewer which do not involve the consumption of alcohol.

“Council commends the work of CCI, Visit Derry and others who have worked tirelessly to develop the potential of this city in recent years and believes that a focused and concerted effort can enhance the city’s attractiveness as an evening and night-time destination.

“Council resolves to set up an Evening Sector Taskforce to examine in more detail how other cities and towns on the island and beyond have expanded their nighttime sectors, especially the challenges they have overcome.”

Other ideas in the report, also illustrative only, include outdoor film, light tunnels, covered markets, ideas focused on dining experiences and other cultural events.