An urban design company was appointed by the Government today to give the centre of Derry city an stg£8 million (€12.1m) makeover.
As part of the redevelopment the pedestrian zone around the Guildhall and Waterloo Place will be reopened to traffic. Social Development Minister David Hanson said Building Design Partnership [BDP], one of Europe's leading urban design firms, had been appointed to the project.
He said it would involve creating a modern, vibrant urban landscape including a controlled traffic route through the pedestrian zone.
The minister said: "Good urban design can create substantial economic value, and throughout Derry city centre we are witnessing unprecedented progress towards that goal."
Urban design was not just about buildings, he said. "Well designed streets, squares and pavements are also crucial to creating a positive image of an impressive and attractive city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest in."
Local politicians and business have for some time been calling for intervention to address the failings of the existing pedestrian zone and to reintroduce traffic as a means of making that part of the city centre more inviting for shoppers and visitors.
Mr Hanson said: "I am confident that BDP, as an inter-disciplinary practice of architects, designers and engineers of international standing, with a proven track record of project delivery will deliver the scheme that Londonderry deserves."
BDP have carried out such townscape projects in Amsterdam, Lisbon, Madrid, Lyon and Melbourne. They will produce proposals for the scheme - which will be subject to public consultation - and subject to planning permission the project should be completed by the end of next year.