A £5 million public realm improvement scheme has been completed in the historic walled city area of Londonderry.

The Inner Walled City Public Realm Scheme covered Bank Place, Union Hall Place, Magazine Street, Upper Magazine Street, Society Street and Palace Street, all within the conservation area and immediately adjacent to the city walls. Works began in the summer of 2024.

Contractor FP McCann was appointed by the Department for Communities to deliver the project. The scheme used Caithness stone for footways and granite setts for carriageways. Street lighting was upgraded and new street furniture installed. An artist was commissioned to design decorative bollards for two locations, and the existing 20-space car park at Society Street was retained.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the investment had transformed key streets and spaces, making them more attractive, accessible and welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors. He said the work demonstrated the department's commitment to regeneration, protecting built heritage and strengthening the economic, social and cultural vitality of city centres.

The scheme is part of the department's wider regeneration programme and builds on earlier public realm projects across the city centre. The minister said the improvements would help ensure the heart of Londonderry remains an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest in.

He thanked stakeholders, businesses, residents, community representatives, Derry City and Strabane District Council and the project team for their collaboration.