20 April 2026
Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed sign off from the British Government for the first phase of a £20m investment package for Derry that he secured during direct talks with the previous government.
Pride in Place funding, previously known as plan for neighbourhoods funding, will help to regenerate the city centre as well as providing critical resource for important projects across Derry.
Mr Eastwood wrote to the British Government this month confirming his sign off on the project plan and has welcomed approval from Ministers for the release of the first phase of funding.
Colum Eastwood MP said:
“During direct discussions with the previous government, I was able to secure a £20million investment package designed to help regenerate parts of the city centre and provide support to really important projects across Derry. I am delighted that we are now in a position to sign off on the first phase of the funding package and that visible projects that will make a difference to people’s lives will benefit straight off the bat.
“Some of the projects that we’ll be able to fund include the regeneration of Austin’s - an iconic site that we need to not only preserve but bring back into the life of the city. We’ll be able to part fund the development of a modern new play park at Curryneirin, something that local residents have been promised for a long time. We’re also hoping to make contributions to Carnhill Resource Centre and Ballymagroarty Hazelbank multipurpose community centre. This funding package will make a difference to people in every part of Derry.
“I’m committed to using Derry’s voice at Westminster to deliver investment that will change our city and improve people’s lives. This is one example of how we can do that and I’m really pleased that the design of the package is coming from community groups, civic society and a cross-party group of elected leaders. This package will continue over the course of 10 years so there’s huge potential to make a real difference for Derry.”