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Consultancy helps build bridges in Northern Ireland

April, 2009

Global construction consultancy Davis Langdon has been appointed as cost manager for a new footbridge to be built across the River Foyle in Derry-Londonderry. Unveiled earlier this week, the Peace Bridge will run from the former Ebrington barracks site on the Waterside to Guildhall Square on the Cityside.

The £13.3m s-shaped structure will unite both sides of the River Foyle. Work will begin in September with completion scheduled for October 2010. The Peace Bridge will form the first stages of the wider regeneration of the area by leading urban regeneration agency Ilex URC. Davis Langdon will deliver the work in association with Derry-based Sammon Surveyors.

Funding for the project was granted from the European Union’s PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programme’s Body (SEUPB). The programme’s theme of Creating Shared Public Space aims to support large infrastructure developments that will tackle problems of separated communities by creating genuine new shared space or transforming contested space.

Andy Outram, Partner at Davis Langdon commented:

“Davis Langdon is delighted to be involved in such as significant project in Northern Ireland. The Peace Bridge will be hugely important to the wider regeneration of Derry-Londonderry. It is fantastic to be involved in such an important initiative, it is testament to Davis Langdon’s strength in cost management and the confidence clients have that projects are delivered within budget. This is much more than a construction project, the Bridge symbolises the reconciliation of communities and the building of a shared society.”

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said it was the biggest single regeneration project in Derry-Londonderry since the construction of the Foyle Bridge thirty years ago.

“This bridge can be a significant catalyst for change. It will transform the local community in the widest sense. Spanning 235 metres from bank to bank not only will it open up the Ebrington site but it will unite the city physically, symbolically and emotionally.”

Brenda Fraser, Ilex’s Director of Development, said:

“The Peace Bridge is of fundamental importance within the regeneration programme and will unite the city physically and symbolically. As such, it heralds a new era for citizens and visitors alike, and will act as a catalyst for transformation and future growth.”