Castleberg builds on progress with start of Derg Active phase two
Phase two of Derg Active begins, enhancing public spaces, sports facilities, and pedestrian access across the town
The second phase of a landmark economic, health and wellbeing project in Castleberg is underway.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, councillor Ruairí McHugh, has performed the formal turning of the sod to mark the beginning of works on phase two of the Derg Active projects.
Derg Active incorporates infrastructure at a number of key sites in the town to promote and encourage more active lifestyles.
The project is funded by the UK Government and council with work on phase two split across four sites: Mitchell Park, the Diamond, Derg Valley Leisure Centre and Castle Park.
Phase one of the project was completed in 2024 and included a public realm space at the Diamond in the centre of the village, new play provision and lighting at the Castle Park and enhanced greenway connectivity at Dergview FC.
Redeveloped works at Mitchell Park playing pitches will include a 3G floodlit games area to accommodate competitive standard soccer matches at all levels, a GAA junior sized pitch and mini-sized soccer pitches, suitable for youth football and recreational play.
The project will also include the construction of a coach education room and new pathways, soft and hard landscaping, street furniture and additional parking.
E Quinn Civils from Pomeroy in County Tyrone has been appointed as the contractor to complete the work, with Doran Consulting (Belfast) acting as lead architect.
Works at the Diamond will extend the original phase one scheme, which was limited to the central core of the town, to include the surrounding outer footpaths.
This phase will introduce additional planters and street furniture to enhance visual appeal, as well as provide new pedestrian crossings at two key locations within the town centre.
Milligan Bros from Ederney has been appointed as the contractor to complete the work with GM Design (Coleraine) acting as lead architect.
Improvements to the Castle Park site will include upgraded secondary pathways and new street furniture that complements the existing infrastructure.
The mayor was joined by members of the project team, local councillors and representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to mark the milestone.