New Maritime Museum And Archive Approved For L'Derry

A new Maritime Museum and Archive is set to be built at Ebrington Square in Derry after planning permission was granted by Minister John O'Dowd.

The development, which was considered a reserved matter by the Department, will contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Ebrington Square.

The Minister said: "This is great news for the city and wider region.

"This approval is an important scheme which will continue the physical, economic and social regeneration of Ebrington Square, a key development site within the city. It will also create a new tourist attraction that will tell the story of Derry's maritime history and be a welcome addition alongside the other recent developments in the Square, such as the Ebrington Hotel. "I believe the proposal also secures the viable and long term beneficial reuse of a number of listed buildings, which will make a positive contribution to the surrounding townscape, be sensitive to the listed building interest in terms of design, scale and use of materials and serve to enliven Ebrington Square.

"It can also act to enhance and promote an increase in footfall from the city across the Peace Bridge to the Waterside, as it will provide for linked tourist trips visiting the walled city and other attractions on the Cityside of the river."

Notices of Opinion to approve the planning application and will now issue to the local Council (Derry City and Strabane District Council) and the applicant who in this case is also Derry City and Strabane District Council.