Funds Unveiled To Upgrade Conservation Area

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has unveiled further funding of £430,000 to complete upgrade works to the public realm in the Clarendon Street Conservation Area in Londonderry.

The work to upgrade the footpaths and lighting in Asylum Road, Bayview Terrace, Princes' Street and Princes' Terrace is part of an ongoing programme of improvements in the area. The work, which is expected to be finished by March 2014, will be carried out for DSD by the Department for Regional Development's Roads Service.

The project will see the reinstatement of the original cast iron lighting columns and the replacement of the unsightly security barriers on Asylum Road with less intrusive bollards.

Speaking about the project, Minister McCausland said: "I am pleased to announce funding for this project which will contribute further to the upgrade of the public realm in the Clarendon Street Conservation Area.

"In particular, I am delighted that the original cast iron lighting columns have been successfully refurbished which will allow them to remain on Asylum Road. My Department recognises the importance of preserving historic features and the refurbishment work undertaken has ensured that the columns, which are over 100 years old, will continue to be fit for purpose for many years to come."

On completion of the works, the Northern Ireland Executive, through the Department for Social Development, will have invested a total of £876,000 in the Clarendon Street Conservation Area.

(JP/MH)