THE former officers’ mess in the former Ebrington military base in Derry is to be transformed into grade A office space in a £1.5 million investment by the site's developers.
Ebrington Holdings Ltd, the development partner of the Stormont Executive on the Ebrington project, confirmed that is has received planning permission for the well-known 'Building 85'.
The 13,500 sq ft site will undergo internal alterations with the addition of a lift shaft and a flat roof extension, converting the building into a modern office space, adding to Ebrington’s growing portfolio of modern business facilities.
Kyle Porter from Ebrington Holdings Ltd, said: “We're thrilled to have secured planning consent for Building 85, which will become a high-end versatile office suite suitable to a vast array of occupiers.
“Well-known to those familiar with the site, it boasts stunning elevated views over Ebrington Square, the Peace Bridge and River Foyle, as well as the Guildhall, and is set in a prime location, both in relation to the site itself as well as its close proximity to the city and the new transport hub.
“The recent announcement on the Derry & Strabane City Deal is a significant step towards the economic future and success of the north west region, and we have ambitious plans to continue to invest significantly in all of the units under our control,
“We're confident we will add high-quality real estate assets to the market across a number of sectors in the near future.”
Lisa McAteer, director at commercial property agency CBRE, which has been appointed as the letting agent on the property, said: “It's encouraging to see Building 85 achieve its planning permission, which on completion, will contribute significantly to making the Ebrington site an unrivalled mixed-use development in the north west region.
“Major refurbishment works are planned to go ahead this month, and we have already received a high level of interest from a wide range of businesses looking for innovative and flexible office space as we begin to see companies make a return to the workplace following the pro-longed period of remote working.”
ACA Architecture has been appointed to work on the project. Its managing director Andrew Coulter said: “Building 85, with its prominence and red-brick facade, is one of the most prominent properties within Ebrington given its grand position within the site.
“It has uninterrupted views over the riverside, along with unique, period-style features that we will ensure to maintain throughout the refurbishment, helping us restore the building to its former glory.”
