Communities Minister has announced his department
has submitted the Proposal for Application Notice (PAN) in
relation to an application for Outline Planning for the Fort
George site in Londonderry.
The site is owned by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the
Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT). The Department has
been working in conjunction with the Trust regarding their plans
for a health & care centre, with the Trust submitting a Full
Planning Application for the proposed Cityside Health & Care
Centre and Multi-Storey Carpark at the end of July 2025. DfC is
currently finalising plans for an Outline Planning Application
for the regeneration of the remaining DfC-owned plots for a
future mixed-use development.
Minister Lyons said: “My department's vision for the Fort
George site is of a vibrant mixed-use development that will
accommodate a range of potential uses and become a thriving and
attractive place where people will want to visit.
“The PAN description submitted ensures flexibility for a
range of potential uses, such as office, residential and student
accommodation, hotel, leisure, retail, cafes, bars, and
restaurants. The regeneration of the site will support
employment, investment, and placemaking outcomes for the
residents of and visitors to Londonderry, with high quality
public realm linking the site to the existing Quay trail,
greenway, and the wider city. It is envisaged that Outline
Planning will provide a framework for a wide range of uses,
ultimately however it will be up to the market to decide the
ultimate end uses that best serve the City.”
The Department plans to hold public information events regarding
the planning application process early in 2026, details regarding
these will be available at a later date.
Notes to editors:
- Fort George is a former military base which is situated on
the west bank of the River Foyle. DfC (then DSD) acquired the
site in 2004.
- Following an expression of interest exercise in 2018, DfC
agreed to work with the Western Health and Social Care Trust to
develop a proposal for a Health and Care Centre on the site.
Lands on the Fort George site required for the HCC and the
multi-storey car park were purchased by WHSCT in 2023 and 2025.
- The Department anticipates the development on the site will
be for mixed use. Following the completion of the planning
process the department will conduct a marketing exercise which
will ultimately determine the proposed uses that will best serve
the City.
- A separate application for Full Planning permission for the
Cityside Health and Care Centre and Multi-storey Car Park on the
Fort George Site was submitted by the Western Health and Social
Care Centre in July 2025. The planning application includes the
construction of the internal road network and public realm, and
upgrades to the Pennyburn Roundabout.