§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Heart of the City study relating to Londonderry will be published for public consultation. [87334]
§ Mr. BrowneIn March last year, the Department of Social Development announced that it had appointed consultants W S Atkins to undertake an urban design study for the centre of Londonderry. The study intends to develop a strategic framework to inform the future development of key city centre sites such as Ebrington Barracks, Fort George and Queen's Quay.
"Heart of the City" aims to enhance the quality of urban design and architecture in the central core of Londonderry.
In October 2002 W S Atkins undertook some public consultation on their draft proposals, including a presentation to Derry City Council and three workshops. This resulted in extensive local media coverage on the Heart of the City study.
W S Atkins are currently compiling their final report, which will include revised sections on the economic viability of the key proposals in the study. It is expected that the final report will now be presented to the Department in January 2003.
The Department for Social Development proposes to publish the report for wider public consultation in February 2003.