Temporary traffic restrictions and new outdoor seating to allow town centre hospitality and other businesses to trade onto the street are among the measures proposed by urban designers as part of the wider recovery plan from Covid 19.
The streetscape proposals were outlined in a Covid Recovery and Revitalisation Street Life and Vibrant Places document presented to Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee.
Suggestions include additional street furniture in the town centres, and temporary traffic restrictions to create a more welcoming environment for pedestrians at Ferryquay Street, the Diamond and Bishop Street in Derry, and Castle Street in Strabane.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian Tierney welcomed the report, which was commissioned to urban designers at OGU/MMAS.
“Council has been engaging with a range of partners for some time to bring forward plans exploring options aimed at redesigning urban spaces and thoroughfares in our towns and city centres,” he explained.
“The plans are being brought forward as part of the wider Covid-19 Recovery strategy with the priority being to assist businesses by creating more attractive space, additional outdoor seating areas, better public realm design, enhanced city dressing and other improvements that will help restore customer confidence and drive footfall in these areas.”
Funding secured from central government will assist in the installation of street furniture including seating, planting and lighting and the enhancement of existing public spaces such as Waterloo Place, Ebrington and Queens Quay.
The full draft report can be viewed at derrystrabane.com
