Plans go on public display

International owned development company GML (N.I) Ltd, which is part of the Orana Group, and a partner in the proposed regeneration scheme to bring a Premier Inn and Sainsbury’s to Crescent Link, are to host a two-day community exhibition of the projects that will bring thousands of new jobs to the area if they get the green light.

The exhibition will feature proposals for the major development, and will take place at Lisneal College this week. It will provide all residents of the City with a chance to view the development plans, ask questions of representatives from the developers and occupiers providing feedback on the future of Crescent Link.

It will be open on Friday, March 30, from 1pm to 6pm and again on Saturday, March 31, from 9am to 1pm.

The first phase of the multi-million pound investment will create 540 skilled operational jobs, as well as boosting the the local construction industry.

Meanwhile it has been revealed that Premier Inn envisages opening its 60-bed hotel complex with a 200 seat family restaurant in early 2013, in time for the City of Culture celebrations.

It is hoped the wider masterplan will have the capacity to create 1,100 construction jobs locally in addition to 2,000 high quality, sustainable jobs across a wide skills base and diverse range of business sectors.

The plans are currently awaiting the green light from planning Minister Alex Atwood, although the Premier Inn project has already received permission and will be under construction before the summer.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of the Orana Group, John Farmer, said: “We want to work in partnership with the residents of the City making the entire community and local jobs agencies aware of specific emerging job opportunities and to highlight the real social, economic and infrastructure benefits this significant project has to offer.

“This will benefit the entire region, as well as acting as a stimulus to attracting inward investment to Derry – Londonderry which will positively benefit the City centre.

“Our proposals extend beyond a foodstore which equates to only 25% of available business space - which includes offices, restaurants, healthcare, the Watersides first cinema, live/work and business start-up units in addition to Sainsbury’s and Premier Inn—making this an extremely attractive economic investment package of regional significance for the North West and we’re looking forward to presenting the opportunity to the wider community.”

Developers hope the health care facilities, which will be state of the art, will help attract top class consultants to the area.

Meanwhile, Paul Miller, of Sainsbury’s, said: “I would encourage residents, community groups and representatives to come along to meet us to discuss and provide their comments on our proposals.

“A store in this location would provide around 475 job opportunities where we would work with local employment agencies to develop local recruitment and training initiatives, to provide all colleagues with further skills and training to enable them to enhance their career with Sainsbury’s,” he said, adding: “We already have a successful store at Strand Road and are looking forward to the opportunity of introducing a second store in the Waterside.”

Also attending the exhibition will be the newly-appointed General Manager of the new Premier Inn on Waterside, Sean McLaughlin, who will speak about the 65 job opportunities at the hotel. Recruitment will begin this summer.

For further information on the proposal visit www.yourcrescentlink.com