Maritime Museum gets green light for Ebrington in Derry-Londonderry

by Gráinne Connolly

The Department of Infrastructure gave the green light for a Maritime Museum to be built at the Ebrington site in Derry-Londonderry. 

As well as this they have granted permission for new vehicular/pedestrian access of Limavady Road via a new signalised junction, stating "Both applications are part of a wider ongoing regeneration at Ebrington." 

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council has welcomed news of the planning approval for a Maritime Museum at Ebrington "which allows it to proceed to the detailed design stage of the project, including preparation of tender documentation."

The spokesperson said the Maritime Museum is one of the Council's "most ambitious" capital projects, thanks to significant Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF). 

This grant funding secured for the delivery of the project is a major element of the development of Ebrington Square and the heritage and tourism portfolio of the city. 

The overall budget for the project is £11.2m and the Council Spokesperson said "work is progressing well on securing additional support with £4.9m of capital funding being channelled into the project".

The Council is providing up to £2m and Garfield Weston, UK and Canadian Branch is giving £0.5m along with the HLF commitment. 

Council says it will continue to work with officials and partners organisations to ensure the Maritime Museum Project remains a priority for all.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Tourism, Councillor Mickey Cooper has also welcomed the news of the Ebrington Square Maritime Museum. 

He said: 

"I welcome the news that planning permission has been approved for the museum. Taken in tandem with the awarding of Heritage Lottery funding for the project to compliment council funding which has already been allocated, brings the project another step closer.

"We need now to look towards Tourism NI providing their match funding to allow the project to move to the construction stage.

"I believe that this project will be a game changer for the local tourism economy by providing another unique selling point for Derry by attracting visitors interested in pursuing their genealogical connections to the North West.

"It will give the city a major attraction which I am confident will attract a range of coach operators and tour agencies to send their groups to the city alongside the many private travellers who will visit the new facility."

Foyle, DUP MLA Gary Middleton was one of the first to take to social media to appreciate the development for the city. 

Pleased that planning permission has been granted for the Maritime museum to be sited at Ebrington Square. This development will further enhance the tourism offering in the North West area.

— Gary Middleton MLA (@Gary_Middleton) November 22, 2017