PLANS for the new headquarters for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Dard) in Ballykelly have been unveiled.
The building at the site of the former Shackleton barracks is expected to be up and running by the end of 2017.
Dard minister Michelle O'Neill said the submitting of plans for the contemporary building was a "key milestone in realising the £20 million vision we see for Dard and the potential positive impact this move will have for the north-west".
The new building will see the relocation of services from Dundonald House in east Belfast.
However, the plans have been universally popular with the Ulster Farmers' Union expressing concerns over the cost at a time when budgets are being slashed.
Ms O'Neill said she was "very keen that the new headquarters is viewed as part of village life and I have ensured that the building and its facilities have the potential to be used for other purposes that will benefit the local community and surrounding area.
“I am sure the 21st century design will mean it integrates well with the landscape and has a positive impact on those living and working there.”
It is anticipated work could begin next year should full planning permission be granted.
"As well as working with the statutory bodies, we have continued to discuss our plans with members of the local community group and they are keen for work to begin and jobs to move to the area so that they can start to benefit from this significant economic injection," added Ms O'Neill.
“My department has identified more than 1,500 civil servants who would want to move to Ballykelly and work will soon begin to match people to posts. The level of interest in this location shows the Executive has got it right when it comes to decentralising jobs.”
