Top UK and Ireland paving and walling manufacturer, Tobermore, supplied £500,000 worth of block paving products used in the large urban renewal scheme of the 2013 City of Culture, Derry / Londonderry.
Following much lobbying for improvements to the city’s walking and cycling network in 2011, the Department for Social Development agreed to invest in the refurbishment of the city in preparation for this year??s festivities which has saw tourists flock from all over the world to join in the celebrations. Recent investment in the 2013 City of Culture stands at almost £45million with a further £15million to help with preparations for this memorable year. The area of Derry / Londonderry known as Queen’s Quay, a stretch of land on the west bank of the River Foyle, was historically a busy port with shipbuilding yards and industrial machinery and was only recently reclaimed in 2011. The overhaul of this landscape has involved the removal of car parking spaces and the introduction of segregated walking and cycling routes, street furniture, planting and lighting.
The ‘Clipper Around the World’ race took place in Derry / Londonderry in July 2011 just after the scheme’s launch. Those taking part, spectators and the general public, including traders who initially opposed the loss of car parking, were strongly in favour of what the scheme had produced.
Northern Ireland??s First Minister, Peter Robinson, believes that ?the prize of being the UK??s first City of Culture has given an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the city to a worldwide audience.?? Ross McGill of Sustrans, a leading charity organisation who have provided sponsorship for the City of Culture??s exciting range of events, has also described the renewal scheme as nothing less than “inspiring infrastructure.” Designed by the Department for Regional Development, the Queen’s Quay scheme links directly to the city’s iconic foot and cycle Peace Bridge, and has become part of the Connect2 project which is currently developing a network of traffic-free riverside cycle and pedestrian routes in the city.
Well known Lisburn company, Whitemountain, worked as the main contractor, alongside Castle Paving, Ken Devine and O??Neill Paving who acted as Sub-Contractors on this project. Tobermore supplied a vast amount of stunning Sienna textured block paving in Silver which was used for the scheme. The sparkling black and white granite aggregates used in Sienna products create a distinctive silver appearance similar to natural granite. Sienna block paving provides aesthetic qualities which can match the traditional splendour of period design or add character to modern buildings.
Tobermore Tegula Setts in Charcoal are also featured on the impressive groundwork at Queen??s Quay. The unique tumbled edges of Tegula products create a timeworn appearance, harmonising with the existing environment and architecture. Tegula block paving is perfect for conservation schemes and pedestrian precincts, making it an ideal choice for the renewal of the streets of Derry / Londonderry.
For more information please visit www.tobermore.co.uk.
