Go ahead given for major development at Fort George

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan today recommended approval to allow for the regeneration of the former British army site at Fort George in Derry. The major proposal sets out a development framework for the 6.2 hectare site and provides for a significant mixed use development to include residential, office, employment and education uses, retail, cafes, bars and restaurants and associated multi-storey and surface car parking. The framework provides for up to 82,274 square metres of floor space and allows for decontamination and infilling of the site to establish new development levels to ensure that the site is ready for end users. Mark H Durkan said: “This is great news for Derry and the wider region. The development framework provides the blueprint for the physical regeneration and investment priorities for this pivotal site. “This is a major regeneration site in the City and the approval now provides certainty on the scale and type of development that will be acceptable. It also allows work to be completed on the decontamination of the site and ensures that the site is ready for inward investment. “I believe that this approval will also serve to reinvigorate this part of the city both physically and functionally. It will have positive impacts on an improved public realm and river frontage.”