Brooke Park to close in advance of £5.6m regeneration

The project will see a total transformation of Brooke Park including its parkland, sports and leisure facilities, and when completed, will build on the recently completed Phase 1 of the Outdoor Events Area last year.

The development programme includes a state of the art Play Garden and Gwyn’s Pavilion, a new Synthetic Pitch, Horticulture Training Centre and Contact Sports Centre and the restoration of other historic park features such as the Oval Pond.

Mayor Brenda Stevenson said: “The Brooke Park regeneration project is a significant part of the Council’s Park Development Programme that will see the creation of some exciting new features in the Park whilst restoring the historic fabric of this historic landscape.

“This hugely significant investment by Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Department for Social Development (DSD) will leave a lasting legacy for the people of the city to avail of improved green space and complimentary parkland facilities.”

Paul Mullan, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund NI offered their support. “We are delighted to see the Brooke Park restoration project taking this significant step forward. The heritage importance and multiple users of the park make this a fascinating but complex heritage project and we wish the team all the best as they embark on this next stage of the project. Once completed and reopened Brooke Park will be an amazing resource for Derry City. It is thanks to National Lottery players that HLF can help make these heritage projects happen across NI.”

Social Development Minister Storey MLA said: “I am pleased to see that construction works are due to commence on one of the oldest parks in Londonderry. Brooke Park has a rich history but has recently become dilapidated and underused.

“My Department is providing £700,000 towards the regeneration of this open space within the city centre, which will unlock its potential as a shared space that both communities can enjoy.”

The public are advised that in order to facilitate the contract, Brooke Park will be closed to public access from the week commencing February 2. for a period of three weeks, for health and safety reasons.

This will allow the contractor to site up his site arrangements prior to the construction work commencing. Thereafter, a safe access route will be maintained through the park for users. Display board information will be displayed on all main gates of the park for residents information.

The contract for works is estimated to take 15 months which will see the regenerated park completed by the summer of 2016.