News

Mayor welcomes Urban Villages funding to progress Derry “The Realm” project

21 February 2025

News that a £9m extension to funding for the Urban Villages Capital Plan, announced by the First Minister and deputy First Minister this week, has been welcomed by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr. Among the projects to benefit from the funding is the Council led “The Realm” placemaking scheme.

Mayor Barr said the funding extension announcement was great news for local communities who will significantly benefit from the investment.

She said: “I welcome the decision by The Executive Office to extend Urban Villages funding, including the crucial support for Derry's public realm project. This investment is a significant boost for our city, demonstrating a continued commitment to regeneration and creating a vibrant, attractive space for residents and visitors alike. It will allow us to build on the positive momentum already underway and deliver real, lasting benefits for our community."

Derry’s The Realm project will be delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council and encompasses the development of a network of high-quality public realm and green infrastructure improvements across the Fountain, the Bogside and Bishop Street areas of the city that will totally transform and revitalise the local environment by creating high quality public space and improved landscapes.

The project aims to revitalise these areas of the city to create a more welcoming and attractive environment for the communities there to enjoy. The project will also work to create improvements such as enhanced paving lighting and landscapes and the creation of innovative public spaces that are accessible and support local businesses to create a more vibrant and inviting environment. 

This is an £11m project and the funding announcement by the First and Deputy First Ministers of £3.4m will enable the first part of the project to proceed. Council will engage with community stakeholders and the urban villages team to deliver on this.

The Urban Villages Capital Plan - a total investment of more than £124m - builds and transforms community facilities, creating shared spaces and beacons for good relations. It delivers social and physical infrastructure across the Urban Villages areas in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry, promoting good relations, regeneration and wider social, economic and environmental improvements.