Derry council gets backing for landmark capital investment strategy

Elected Members attending a Special Meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council have given their backing to a capital investment report that detailed an unprecedented multi-million-pound portfolio of completed and ongoing capital investment projects that are designed to revitalise the local economy, enhance community wellbeing, and invest in regeneration projects across the Council area.

The report, presented by the Council’s Chief Executive John Kelpie, outlined a comprehensive roadmap detailing the successful completion of over £130 million in recent projects, along with details of how Council is advancing with a fully funded £500 million-plus portfolio of projects, through design and onsite delivery.

This multi-million pound public sector expenditure is planned for delivery across the City and District over the next eight to 10 years.

This strategic investment is anchored by the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund programme, with a committed funding pot exceeding £300m that will see the delivery of projects such as the innovation centres of excellence in robotics, data analytics and advanced manufacturing at Ulster University, new medical research and development facilities at Altnagelvin and a major regeneration plan for the Central Riverfront, the Walled City and the DNA Museum in Derry, as well as a transformative regeneration programme for Strabane Town Centre, including a footbridge, leisure, health and education facilities.

The investment also includes the delivery of two flagship strategic leisure projects in Templemore and Strabane. With a total combined investment requirement of approximately £144 million, these state-of-the-art facilities are now moving into detailed design and planning. The Council has already secured over £100 million towards these projects through a combination of efficiency savings, the City of Derry Airport business case, and strategic rates investment.

A defining feature of this investment is the Council’s integrated approach to social value and benefits realisation plan that works to ensure that this investment translates into more than physical structures and will deliver inclusive growth and create opportunities for all communities. Through a dedicated social value workstream the Council is embedding mandatory requirements into the procurement processes to ensure local businesses, social enterprises and residents benefit directly from contract opportunities.

Beyond the large-scale strategic sites, the Council is also investing £68m in community-focused projects. Among the recent successful projects included in the detailed report were investments in greenway infrastructure such as the completion of the Stradowen Greenway, the North West Greenways (Derry to Muff), and the bridge at Bay Road. There was also the completion of the Daisyfield Sports Hub, Harbour Square redevelopment, and revitalisation schemes across several rural areas including Castlederg, Newtownstewart and Claudy.

Elected members also noted significant progress on the Acorn Farm, the Riverine PEACE Plus Project and the Castlederg Levelling Up Fund project.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, who chaired the meeting, welcomed the report.

He said: “The recommendations outlined today are a testament to our collective ambition for this region. This is more than just investment in buildings and facilities, it is about being ambitious and forward thinking in our vision for our future. We are overseeing an unprecedented multi-million investment that touches every corner of our District, from world-class leisure centres to the greenways and play parks that improve our daily lives.

“By securing over £417 million in external funding, we are ensuring that our ratepayers money works harder, leveraging nearly three pounds of outside investment for every pound we commit. This strategy proves our unwavering commitment to growth, and while we must remain prudent, the momentum we have built is unstoppable. We are building a region that is vibrant, sustainable, and ready for the next generation."

Council Chief Executive John Kelpie said the investment represents a hugely significant and transformational milestone for Council.

He said: “It is the result of years of strategic planning and successful collaboration with stakeholders and government partners. Our Council is working tirelessly to deliver a programme of this unprecedented scale and complexity, ensuring we catalyse private sector confidence and create a lasting, positive legacy.

“The positive work being done across all Council directorates, from grounds maintenance to major capital delivery, is focused on creating a thriving, prosperous, and sustainable City and Region with equality of opportunity for all.”

To read the full report click here - Report 1- Derry City and Strabane Capital Projects Strategic Overview.pdf

The meeting was broadcast live and can be viewed back on the Council’s Youtube channel.