DOZENS of new apartments aimed at the over-55s have been planned as part of the redevelopment of the former British military base at Ebrington in Derry.
The company behind the plans wants to build 61 one and two-bedroom apartments as part of the refurbishment of the former barracks in the Waterside.
Ebrington Holdings Ltd aims to redevelop No. 117 Ebrington - a grade B2 listed building formally used as sleeping quarters.
The apartments will be built in No. 117, overlooking St Columb's Park.
Communal living rooms, a laundry area and storage spaces will be built across a narrow road at No. 118.
A modern extension will also be added to No. 118, which is not listed.
Built by the British army in 1841, Ebrington housed soldiers and naval personnel, including during the First and Second World Wars.
It closed in 2003 and was later gifted to the city by the Ministry of Defence.
However, redevelopment of the 26-acre site has proved slow and just a few of the 21 buildings have been filled.
Ilex, an urban regeneration company set up by the Northern Ireland Office to redevelop the site, closed in 2016.
A multi-million pound whiskey distillery and visitors' centre was due to be built at the former barracks.
But the company behind the Quiet Man distillery project said last year it was no longer going ahead.
An Ebrington Holdings Ltd spokesman said yesterday it was pleased to be involved in the redevelopment of the site.
"These exciting proposals will bring stunning retirement living apartments to the city, set in an outstanding location overlooking St Columb’s Park and adjacent to the new entrance to Ebrington from the Limavady Road,"he said.
"By continuing the mixed use redevelopment of Ebrington site we are creating a fantastic place to live, work and visit."
A proposal of application notice has been submitted to Derry City & Strabane District Council.
The company will also hold a public consultation on the plans, including a public exhibition which will be held at No. 83 in Ebrington on August 29 from 4pm to 7pm.
Brian Kelly, director of planning and regeneration consultancy Turley, said Ebrington Holdings will submit a formal planning application following the consultation.
"We are very pleased to be involved in bringing forward these proposals, and will shortly be consulting with the public, local community and statutory agencies to refine our plans before submitting a planning application to Derry City and Strabane District Council," he said.
It is understood the company aims to submit a planning application by mid-autumn.
Feedback on the plans can be submitted via email at ebrington@turley.co.uk or on 0808 1688 296
