A major public engagement exercise has been announced to help steer the £45 million revitalisation of Derry's Central Riverfront. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, are calling on residents, businesses, and stakeholders to share their visions for the landmark project.

The regeneration scheme is a key component of the Derry and Strabane Region City Deal. It aims to create a world-class urban space, enhancing the city's appeal as a premier European destination for residents and tourists alike. Proposed works include significant streetscape improvements, high-quality public realm developments, and enhanced active travel routes.

A critical element of the plan involves reconfiguring local road networks to prioritise public transport. New bus-priority measures in both directions are intended to improve service reliability and reduce journey times across the city centre.

A two-day public information event will be held at the Guildhall in Derry on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th of February. Feedback from these sessions will inform the development of specific design options, which will be subject to further formal consultation later this year. Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins MLA, stated: "The Central Riverfront project will be transformational in delivering a dynamic and re-invigorated urban waterfront area which will position Derry as a vibrant European destination and make this already wonderful city an even more attractive place to visit, live or work in. The scheme will provide high quality public realm and streetscape enhancement along with improvements to Active Travel provision in the area. Roads will also be reconfigured to prioritise public transport and deliver bus-priority measures in both directions to improve reliability and journey times. My officials have been working closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council and our consultants on the development of the scheme. We are pleased to have the opportunity now to engage with local communities, businesses and stakeholders and, more importantly, to receive views from those who know the area best. The feedback collected will help to inform the further development of a range of options which will be assessed and presented for further public consultation later this year."

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, added: "This £45 million investment is a signal of our intent to position Derry as a premier European destination. By revitalising our riverfront, we are unlocking the economic and social potential of our city centre. The Central Riverfront project is a cornerstone of our City Deal ambitions and represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape our city's relationship with the Foyle. We aim to create a world-class space that locals can be proud of and visitors will flock to. However, to get this right, we need the insight of the people who use these spaces every day and for that reason we are urging everyone to come along to the Guildhall or visit the online portal to ensure their voice is at the very heart of this transformation. When completed this project will better connect our city, enhance our public spaces, and drive the regeneration that our residents deserve so it's vitally important that citizens bring to the table their ideas and views during these information gathering sessions."

Members of the public and local stakeholders are encouraged to drop in during any of the following sessions – Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th February 2026 from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm and from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, at the Guildhall.

For those unable to attend, you can find out more information and give your views via the website at consultationspace.com/centralriverfrontproject/.