Radius & Sean Dolan’s launch public consultation on Creggan regeneration project

Radius Housing, in partnership with Sean Dolan’s GAC, Derry, has commenced an extensive public consultation on proposals for a significant regeneration project in the Creggan area of the city. The proposed project aims to deliver over 100 new social and affordable homes, alongside extension and refurbishment of the existing club house facilities and provision of a new multi-use community building centre. The ambitious development proposals will transform the lands to the west of the current Sean Dolan GAC grounds at Bligh’s Lane and represent a potential investment in excess of £16million in the Creggan area of the city.

The housing association is commencing a statutory three-month public consultation on the current proposals, with a public information event taking place on Tuesday 25th June 2019  at the Sean Dolan GAC clubhouse. Following consideration of the consultation responses, Radius intend to submit a full planning application to Derry City and Strabane District Council in September 2019.

Radius has already undertaken discussions with Sean Dolan’s GAC, Derry GAA, Ulster Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, political representatives and wider community organisations from the Creggan area. This collaborative working has led to the development of the current proposals, which align with the club''s vision for growth.

The proposed mixed-use development scheme will not only provide high-quality housing in an area of chronic housing need but also provide the catalyst funding required to deliver essential community infrastructure. This proposal represents not only the Sean Dolan club’s aspiration of growth but also the wider strategic plans of the GAA in growing the prominence of Gaelic games across the city. The project will facilitate a range of wider opportunities, activities and events which will have a positive impact on the Creggan and its wider community.

Speaking ahead of the public consultation, Anita Conway, Radius Housing''s Director of Development, said “Radius Housing is delighted to be working alongside Sean Dolan’s and the wider community on this project. This joint proposal has huge potential to bring much needed investment into the Creggan area, as well as helping to nurture the next generation of local sporting talent. This partnership approach to development brings benefit beyond housing; it adds value to the wider community and supports the efforts of the local schools and community organisations.

“The Sean Dolan’s committee must be commended for their vision and unwavering commitment in pursing the proposed mixed use regeneration project. They have shown not only their passion for the Sean Dolan’s club, but also their commitment and desire to invest and revitalise their local community.

“This project demonstrates our continued growth in the city and compliments our recent proposed planning submission for the regeneration of the former Ebrington primary school site located in the Waterside of the city.”

Marcus Mc Crystal, Sean Dolan’s Club Chairman, added “Sean Dolan GAC recognise the potential for our resurgent club to act as a key pillar in the local Creggan community in terms of facilitating activities and events which have a positive impact in our area which is all too often characterised by negative publicity in the form of high levels of social deprivation, health inequalities and political unrest. We are extremely proud of our club and our community and in what we have achieved in rebuilding our facilities over the last number of years. We are not about to rest on our laurels however and we see the joint venture with Radius Housing as being fundamental to achieving our future growth plans.”

A Public Information event will take place on Tuesday 25th June2019 from 3pm – 7pm at the Sean Dolan GAC Clubhouse, Blighs Lane, Derry, BT48 9PJ and further information relating to these proposals can be obtained from: Turley, Hamilton House, 3 Joy Street, Belfast, BT2 8LE. Radius and the committee of Sean Dolan’s GAC welcome comments on the proposals through the various feedback channels.

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