New retirement complex for former Thornhill College site

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Committee have unanimously voted in favour of developing a Retirement Complex at the former Thornhill College site in Derry/Londonderry. 

It's understood that due to the special circumstances, at what's known as the brownfield site, occupancy will be restricted for the area. 

Officers have agreed a section 76 planning legal agreement to be incorporated, which will restrict those who live in the complex to a retirement age of 55 and over.

The council says it's to ensure "it does not become a housing development in the countryside".

The development will retain three existing buildings at the front of the site to provide a Community Hub Building, Community Services Building and Site Warden Building.

It will also see the demolition and redevelopment of the remaining buildings to provide a 65 bed care home and 68 semi-independent living units.

The former tennis courts on the site will also be remodeled to provide a multi-use games area and allotments, as well as formal landscape gardens and associated access, parking, drainage and landscape enhancement works.

Mayor of DCSDC, Councillor John Boyle has welcomed the fact the well known site will be returned to working use. 

“The Thornhill site is one of historical significance in our City and has been disused since the school’s relocation in 2003 so I welcome the fact that it can be repopulated and regenerated through the approval of this outline planning application.

“I would like to commend the Planning Officers for their attention to detail in bringing a project of this scale to this point and ensuring that the character of the original buildings will be protected and maintained.

“The site is on an area of high scenic value and I look forward to seeing it restored to its former glory in the coming years.”

Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Warren Robinson, said the proposed development would help address the growing need for tailored accommodation for the elderly in the City and District.

“This project is positive news and will go some way towards meeting the increasing need for this type of specialised accommodation coupled with support services for the elderly in the Council area, allowing them to maintain their independence and avail of assistance and communal facilities if required.

“It will also bring economic benefits to the area, both initially through the employment and spending of over 300 construction related workers on the site but also in the employment of the care and support staff when the project is completed.”