Beginning on 1 July at Harbour Square in the city centre, the project will be supported by the Department for Communities and Derry City and Strabane District Council. This project is set to transform the Harbour Square, Custom House Street, Guildhall Street, Whittaker Street and Foyle Embankment off Derry's city centre and riverfront area. Works will take place over the summer months and is currently programmed to be completed by winter 2024.
Phase one of the project will commence with the installation of site hoarding to secure the area. During this time, pedestrians should be aware that there will be disruptions along sections of the Harbour Square footpath. However, one section will remain accessible to allow two-way pedestrian traffic from the Peace Bridge onto Harbour Square. Pedestrians can then proceed leftward and continue their usual path around the site perimeter towards the Guildhall.
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In phase two, pedestrians will be redirected to use the completed paths on the right side of the site when approaching from the Peace Bridge.
Visitors to the Guildhall are encouraged to use the main entrance, while those visiting Harbour House should use the side entrance. Clear signage will be placed throughout the site, and arrangements have been made to accommodate deliveries and individuals with special accessibility needs who wish to access either building.
A key element of the public realm project is the installation of the Factory Girls Artwork to celebrate local shirt factory workers and the important role they played in the city and district’s cultural, heritage and economic history. The public artwork will be incorporated as part of a wider public realm redevelopment of the Square.
The sculpture, crafted by artist Chris Wilson, features three bell-shaped forms illuminated at night. Inspired by the spools of thread used in the shirt factory, its installation date within the site has yet to be finalised but is anticipated to occur during the final stages of the public realm works.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr welcomed the commencement of the works and is looking forward to seeing the factory girls’ sculpture being installed and the works completed. She said: "I am delighted to see works on this project starting and look forward to the installation of a new public artwork celebrating the contribution that our factory girls have made to this City and District. These public realm works will set the way for our wider vision for the regeneration Central Riverfront planned as part of the City Deal. The creation of public realm featuring the Factory Girls artwork linking the historical core of the city to the riverfront area."
She also encouraged the public to adhere to the signage that will be erected across the site and to co-operate with the contractors carrying out the works. She said every effort is being made to minimise disruption to the public.
