Derry's Timber Quay office block secured to 'drive expansion' of Magee

Land necessary to drive forward the expansion of Ulster University’s Derry campus to achieve 10,000 students has now been acquired by the Department for the Economy and Ulster University, it has been confirmed.

During a visit to the campus Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced the purchase of the Timber Quay office block, which follows the recent acquisition of sites along Queen’s Quay.

Speaking after a tour of the sites, the Minister said: “Since the Magee Expansion Taskforce was set up last year, my Department, in partnership with Ulster University, has contributed almost £21.5million of capital expenditure to support the planned growth. The acquisition of the Timber Quay building will itself allow Ulster University to accommodate 375 new students in the next academic year.

“This purchase, along with the additional lands secured along Queen’s Quay, means we can drive forward to reach 10,000 students at Magee by 2032.”

Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University Prof Paul Bartholomew said: “Due to recent rapid growth in student numbers at Ulster University Derry~Londonderry, our campus is currently at maximum capacity, and we have a pressing need for more space.

"The space that we stand in today at Timber Quay will be quickly transformed into teaching and learning environments in time to welcome new and returning students in September 2025.

"The additional land that we have acquired in partnership with DfE around Queen’s Quay will help us to add additional spaces in the future.

“We will continue to work with our partners to realise growth on this campus and are grateful to our co-investors in the Department for the Economy for their financial support to ensure that, together, we are delivering for Derry~Londonderry.”

Chair of the Magee Taskforce Stephen Kelly said: “Today’s announcement ensures that momentum is maintained to deliver on the 10,000 minimum target agreed in the Programme for Government. 

"The University has purchased these properties from local owners who are as determined as all of us in seeing Ulster University’s expansion plans meeting the city’s economic, cultural and social ambitions.”

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has welcomed news that the Department for the Economy and Ulster University have acquired the Timber Quay building on Derry’s Strand Road as part of plans to expand the university.

Mayor Barr said the news marked a significant milestone for the city and district that would bolster the expansion of Ulster University's Derry campus.

She said: “We continue to champion the growth of Magee, recognising its transformative potential to drive economic prosperity, create opportunities for our young people, and enhance our city's vibrant cultural and intellectual landscape. The expansion of the university is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about investing in our future. It's about creating a dynamic learning environment that attracts and retains talent, fosters innovation, and strengthens our position as a hub for education and research. The availability of Timber Quay will enable the university to increase its student numbers and drive forward the ambition to reach 10,000 students by 2032.”

Mayor Barr added that the expansion of the university will further contribute to the catalytic investment that is the cornerstone of the Derry and Strabane City Deal, playing a crucial role in driving economic and social transformation for the region.

“This expansion is not merely about increasing student numbers; it's about creating a hub of innovation, research, and skilled workforce development. Projects like the Cognitive Analytics & Digital Robotics Innovation Centre (CADRIC) and the School of Medicine are designed to attract further investment, stimulate job creation, and create class leading research that will enhance our local economy ultimately securing a prosperous future for Derry and Strabane.”

The Mayor concluded that the acquisition of Timber Quay would also have a positive impact on the wider community including local businesses who will benefit from increased footfall, with the potential to attract further investment, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Department, Ulster University, and all the stakeholders who have played a crucial role in making this happen. This achievement is an example of successful collaboration to achieve a common goal.”