PLANS have been unveiled for a £60 million project aimed at transforming Derry’s River Foyle into a global visitor attraction.
Linked to the city’s campaign to obtain a City Deal economic package, the Foyle River Gardens project would involve regenerating the entire River Foyle bank north of Derry as far as Culmore Point.
Derry City and Strabane District council members were told the plan was based on a project involving the hugely successful international eco-tourism Eden Project and Northside Development Trust.
It is also being supported by Ulster University and Queen’s who have agreed to consider establishing a research facility at the site.
In a presentation to the council, backers said the project would make approximately 225 acres of river side land available to the public with 8 km of trails.
When complete, up to 400,000 tourists per year could be expected to visit the project, generating up to £19 million to the Derry economy.
Spokesman Barney Toal said the total cost of the project was estimated to be around £60 million over a five to seven year period.
Drawing inspiration from Cornwall's Eden Project, the Foyle River Gardens project would also include “canopy structures” for all weather activities as well as a riverside theatre and an outdoor swimming pool.
The not-for-profit project would also involve the regeneration of the derelict Boom Hall and historic stables overlooking the Foyle.
The Eden project is the brainchild of Sir Tim Smit who is also supporting the Derry venture. He said the fact that Queen’s and Ulster University were interested made him confident of the project’s success.
Foyle River Gardens chairman, Eamonn Deane told councillors Foyle River Gardens would create a landscape offering “play, relaxation, entertainment and learning.”
Mr Deane said: “We are a small city but we think big. Our ambition knows no bounds.”
