St Columb’s Park Avenue Re-Opens After £385,000 Scheme

The Department for Communities (DfC) has recently completed regeneration work on the £385,000 upgrade of the St Columb’s Park Avenue in Derry City.

This work was jointly funded by DfC and Derry City and Strabane District Council and was part of the wider St Columb’s Park Regeneration plan.

It has transformed the entrance and access road within this beautiful park and woods where people can walk, relax and enjoy the scenery of the River Foyle which flows alongside.

The improvements included the realignment of the existing Avenue enabling a more direct and safer route for traffic and pedestrians from St Columb’s Park Road, Ebrington and the Peace Bridge to St Columb’s Park House and the stunning public amenity. 

New stone walls, imposing gates and railings create an entrance befitting this historic park adding to this impressive and beautiful green space in the heart of the Waterside.  The realigned Avenue has also resulted in additional green space, expanding the park grounds and creating new areas for the numerous events held within the park. 

Paul McNaught from DfC said: “The work undertaken has created easier access to and from Ebrington, the Peace Bridge, the Greenway Network and various events, attractions, recreational facilities and extensive glenside walks in the park .  The new access road complements previous regeneration work in the park and will make a real difference to the visitor experience.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, welcomed the completion of the project saying the realigned Avenue was a key element of the regeneration works for the Park.

“Council is delighted to be part of the work to regenerate St Columb’s Park and would like to acknowledge the successful partnership approach between Council, the Department for Communities (DfC), St Columb’s Park House and the Acorn Fund to bring this project to this point and I would like to congratulate all the stakeholders on their collaborative efforts.

“This specific piece of work has really enhanced the entire park by improving the overall accessibility to its expansive green space and the walled garden at the house.”

This summer will also see the completion of the Kilfennan Valley Park Greenway and the Clooney Greenway projects, two significant additions to the City’s urban greenway network.

The Kilfennan Valley Park has been upgraded with new pathways links, lighting, crossing points and seating. The Clooney Greenway project has transformed derelict land, creating new connections between communities and a convenient safe route to and from local schools.  Both will enhance off road connectivity and create a sustainable travel corridor in the heart of the Waterside.

Notes to editors: 

1. The St Columb’s Park Avenue work consisted of new gates, pier, stone walls and railings.  The Avenue has been realigned, resurfaced, traffic calmed and new lighting installed along the avenue to the historic St Columb’s Park House. DfC contribution was £265,000.
2. Clooney Greenway project is substantially complete and will be open by September 2019. Works include a new 940m of asphalt greenway with lighting, landscaping and fencing throughout.
3. Kilfennan Valley Park Greenway upgrade works are expected to be complete by mid August 2019. The project includes circa 2km of asphalt greenway, new lighting and new crossing points at Rossmore, Rossdale and Rossdowney Roads. 
4. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 90 823516 or email Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
5. Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

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