Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has approved the establishment of a Queen’s Quay replacement project in Derry, allowing the scheme to advance into design, environmental assessment, planning and business case development.

The project will be progressed alongside the Department’s Central Riverfront Project, a City Deal initiative delivered in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, to ensure a coordinated approach to future riverfront development.

Kimmins said the quay is an important strategic asset at the heart of Derry’s waterfront. Progressing the project will allow the Department to develop a long-term solution for the quay while ensuring it aligns with the wider vision for the riverfront.

She said developing the project alongside the Central Riverfront Project will help take a coordinated approach to regeneration, active travel, flood resilience and connectivity while continuing to work closely with partners and stakeholders.

The project is intended to support long-term regeneration along the riverfront, create opportunities to strengthen connectivity and active travel, and contribute to wider flood resilience objectives.

Feasibility estimates indicate a potential project value between £36 million and £45 million, subject to further design development and approvals.

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the plan must be backed with funding. He said replacing the existing quay infrastructure is essential to unlocking the wider redevelopment of Derry’s riverfront. He said the Central Riverfront Project was secured through City Deal funding after years of work from the SDLP at Westminster.

Eastwood said the quay is one of Derry’s most outstanding resources and that these quay replacement plans must now be backed by the funding needed to turn this ambition into reality.

No procurement or construction commitment has been made at this stage, and any future progression will depend on funding, approvals and statutory processes.