Brandywell regeneration project going to plan

by Gráinne Connolly

Works on one of Derry City and Strabane District Council's most significant infrastructural capital investment initiatives, the Brandywell Regeneration Project, is progressing well. 

The contractor began working on the project late last year and is now continuing that work with the objective of completing it by the end of the year. 

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh said he was looking forward to the completion of the project and realises its significance:

“The Council acknowledges the importance of the Brandywell as a Council asset and this investment will help us to maximise its usage and its potential in terms of sport and event provision for the future.”

The regeneration project will see the completion of a new 966 seater stand that incorporates new changing rooms, media facilities, meeting spaces and safety control.

Along with that will be standing accommodation for 270 spectators adjoining the new stand that will bring the existing capacity for the ground to approximately 3,700. 

In addition to the stand, the project includes a synthetic turf pitch, a standalone dog track, the refurbishment of the south-end stand and additional car parking as well as substantial improvement works across the stadium. 

That includes the replacement of the existing boundary walls to the wider Brandywell site. 

It's hoped the new facility will be ready to host some of Derry City Football Club's preseason games for the 2018 League of Ireland season and the construction of the greyhound track in the Showgrounds section of the ground is also at an advanced stage with a view to being completed by the end of the year.