DERRY and Strabane council has been given the go-ahead to develop a new maritime museum in Ebrington Square.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon yesterday approved planning permission for the museum which will be built on the site of the former Troubles British army barracks.
Ms Mallon said the development would provide a catalyst for the physical, economic and social regeneration of the Ebrington site
It follows the announcement last month that a £15 million four-star hotel is to be built at the site.
Ms Mallon said: “It will see the creation of a new tourist attraction to tell the story of Derry’s maritime history. It will also act to promote an increase in footfall from the city across the Peace Bridge to the Waterside as it will provide for linked tourist trips visiting the walled city and other attractions on the city side of the river."
She said the museum would also secure the viable long-term re-use of several listed buildings and would make a “positive contribution” to the surrounding townscape.
