This public realm audit and concept plan was commissioned by the Derry City & Strabane District Council Regeneration Section. The team were invited to look at the Inner Waterside through the lens of pedestrian experience and quality of public realm, identifying key issues along with priorities and actions to make meaningful improvements.

It became clear that changes in infrastructure over the past half century or more have had a very significant effect. In order to understand the impact of this, the team also assessed how urban connections have changed over the years through exploring the historic version of the city in photos, maps and written accounts, alongside our analysis of the present day conditions.

What has come out of this research is a series of strategic proposals which can be developed in the short, medium and long term:

• Craigavon Bridge Junction

• Train Station Junction

• King Street Junction

• Spencer Road

• Lower Fountain Hill connection

• Duke Street residential neighbourhood

• Embankment park and Greenway

• Reconnecting with water

These 8 proposals look to address the significant public realm issues which exist;

• Re-establishing connections to the wider city

• Re-establishing connections to transport, industry and the working river edge

• Create an active river frontage – an active river edge will bring life to Duke Street and neighbourhood beyond

• Prioritising pedestrian movements between both sides of the city

• Re-establishing active frontages making for lively & walkable neighbourhoods

• Safer crossings and more pleasant neighbourhood streets

• Establishing new green space for residents

• Improved connections to the Foyle to benefit quality of life & well-being of Inner Waterside residents