Mayor performs turning of the sod on Phase Two of Derg Active works
23 September 2025
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Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has performed the formal turning of the sod in Castlederg to mark the beginning of works on Phase Two of the Derg Active projects.Derg Active is an integrated economic, health and wellbeing initiative incorporating infrastructure at a number of key sites in the town to promote and encourage more active lifestyles.
The project is funded by the UK Government and Council with work on Phase Two split across four sites: Mitchell Park, the Diamond, Derg Valley Leisure Centre and Castle Park.
Phase one of the project was completed in 2024 and included a high-quality public realm space at the Diamond in the centre of the village, new play provision and lighting at the Castle Park and enhanced greenway connectivity at Dergview FC.
The Mayor was joined by members of the project team, local councillors and representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to mark the milestone.
“I am absolutely delighted to see work beginning on these eagerly awaited works that will build on the critical community infrastructure improvements of Phase One,” said Mayor McHugh.
“The completed projects will provide state of the art playing space for GAA and soccer, further progress the green economic recovery of the town and build infrastructure to promote active and healthier lifestyles.
“I look forward to the completion of work on all four sites in the new year and the people of the Derg reaping all the associated benefits of accessing safe and modern facilities on their doorstep.”
UK Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, added: "Communities need spaces where they can come together and thrive.
“Derg Active shows how putting money into our local parks and community areas helps people feel more connected to their neighbourhood and brings more business and opportunity to the area too.
"Phase one brought real benefits, and I'm excited to see this second phase build on that success and continue making positive changes for Castlederg."
Redeveloped works at Mitchell Park playing pitches will include a 3G floodlit games area to accommodate competitive standard soccer matches at all levels, a GAA junior sized pitch and mini-sized soccer pitches, suitable for youth football and recreational play.
The project will also include the construction of a coach education room and new pathways, soft and hard landscaping, street furniture and additional parking.
E Quinn Civils from Pomeroy in County Tyrone have been appointed as the contractor to complete the work. with Doran Consulting ( Belfast) acting as lead Architects
Works at the Diamond will extend the original Phase One scheme, which was limited to the central core of the town, to include the surrounding outer footpaths.
This phase will introduce additional planters and street furniture to enhance visual appeal, as well as provide new pedestrian crossings at two key locations within the town centre.
Milligan Bros from Ederney have been appointed as the contractor to complete the work with GM Design( Coleraine) acting as lead Architects
Improvements to the Castle Park site will include upgraded secondary pathways and new street furniture that complements the existing infrastructure.
Enhancements will also be made to the linkage from the town centre to the Castle Park facility along Park Road and minor improvements are also to be delivered at the entrance to the park, including design and options appraisals for the possible future installation of Public Toilets.
Work at Castle Park will be completed by Milligan Bros from Ederney with GM Design ( Coleraine) acting as lead Architects.
Work at the Derg Valley Leisure Centre will include an extension of the existing health suite to include and infra-red sauna and ice baths as well as upgrades to the Steam Room area, mechanical and electrical upgrades to the health suite. Work at DVLC will be completed by W Doherty Construction ltd from Strabane with ADP ( Omagh ) acting as lead Architects.
For full details and updates on the Derg Active project visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/services/parks-and-play/derg-active