Progress welcomed on transformational multi-million pound Derry project

The Executive Office has today welcomed significant progress on a multi-million pound capital project to redevelop Meenan Square in Derry.

With the support of Urban Villages, Apex Housing Association has purchased the site at Meenan Square from the private sector landowner, Westco Developments (NI) Limited.

The project, to be delivered by the Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative in conjunction with Apex Housing Association and Meenan Square Developments Ltd, will see the construction of a mixed-use development comprising housing, a community hub, and essential local amenities. The project will be primarily funded by the Executive Office, supported by Apex Housing Association and the Department for Communities.

The Executive Office Permanent Secretary Denis McMahon said: "I am really pleased to see this progress towards the redevelopment of the Meenan Square site. It is a significant step towards the transformation and much-needed renewal of the site, which will bring real benefits to the local community through the creation of a shared community hub, improved access to essential services and the provision of social and affordable housing.

"The Executive Office appreciates the efforts made by all statutory agencies, the landowner, Meenan Square Developments and the local community to get to this important milestone and looks forward to the delivery of this exciting project for the community.”

Sheena McCallion, Chief Executive of Apex Housing Association, commented: “The regeneration of Meenan Square will be welcome news for many people living locally.

“We are delighted to be part of such a significant project in the city which will undoubtedly bring huge social and economic benefits. It’s our hope that the development of Meenan Square will go a long way towards creating a more vibrant and sustainable community; whilst fulfilling the demand for great quality social and affordable housing in the Bogside area.”

Charles Lamberton, Chairperson Meenan Square Developments, added: “We are delighted to reach such a defining moment for Meenan Square and look forward to working closely with our partners The Executive Office, Apex Housing Association, Department for Communities, Dove House Community Trust and local residents to deliver first class housing, community and retail facilities for this community.

“This community has campaigned and lobbied for many years to have Meenan Square re-established as the heart of the community returning it to the social and commercial vibrant space it once was. This partnership and investment is a critical step to achieving this."

Westco Developments (NI) Ltd thanked its former Director Kevin Deehan who passed away in 2021 for his drive and ambition in making this project come to fruition.  They also wished to thank the patient efforts of the Executive Office, Apex and the local community in arriving at this critical milestone. 

Westco Director James McGilloway stated: “I am delighted to see this progress towards the redevelopment of the Meenan Square site. 

"As landowners, Westco Developments have put a huge amount of time and effort into getting to this stage and I pay tribute to our deceased former director, Kevin Deehan for all his efforts in this regard. We have always wanted the site developed to its maximum potential and I look forward to seeing it redeveloped as a housing, community and commercial hub.

"We wish Apex and the Executive Office well in its future endeavours to redevelop this important site for the benefit of the whole community”.

Welcoming the announcement Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has said residents and the wider community will be delighted at today’s confirmation of a major step forward for the Meenan Square redevelopment plan.

Pádraig Delargy said: “This is a hugely exciting project by Apex Housing in partnership with the Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative and Meenan Square Developments Ltd.

“It represents a huge investment in the heart of the Bogside that will see the construction of a new community hub, much-needed social housing and other local amenities.

“It will also signal the total transformation of a site which has become an eyesore and a source of anti-community behaviour which has blighted the lives of local residents for many years.

“With construction now due to begin by next Autumn, I am sure those residents and the wider community will be delighted that, finally, the site is set to be put to a positive use.”

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation from the Executive Office that the long overdue acquisition of the Meenan Square site has been secured.  

The £11 million Urban Villages project has suffered a series of set-backs but Mr Durkan said he remains hopeful that this transformational initiative can now progress at pace. 

The Foyle MLA said:  I’m glad we have finally reached this stage after a few false dawns and premature proclamations from others. It is lamentable how long the Executive Office has taken to get to this point. I look forward to development of the site which will provide much needed social housing, a new community facility and some community units.

“It will help revitalise this historically neglected area and the construction phase will create local employment opportunities.  

“Hopefully progress on the project will now gather speed and any associated planning applications are dealt with apace.” 

Following completion of the site acquisition, the project will be subject to a formal planning application, including full public consultation giving the local community an opportunity to share their views.

It is anticipated that the project will commence on site by Autumn 2024.