Phase Two

An investment of £9.1million was earmarked by the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister for Phase Two projects which includes the following being implemented in the city:

• Lighting Strategy Programme
• Built Heritage Programme
• Business & Cultural Animation Programme
• Environmental Improvements

To date there has been approximately £5 million invested in different aspects of Phase Two of the Signature Project including the Business and Cultural Animation Programme, and the re-developments at the Playhouse Theatre; First Derry Presbyterian Church; and St. Columb's Cathedral.

A Living History - “If Stones Could Speak…”

In 1633, the stonemason carving the foundation stone for Derry’s St Columb’s Cathedral started the inscription with the words ‘’If Stones could speak…’’.

The tangible history of the city, when combined with the authentic voices of the contemporary community, is a story without parallel on these islands.

A crucial part of the walled city development is to ensure that those places that are part of the story also have the capacity to tell the story – and to tell it well.

The Built Heritage Programme will invest in up to six of the city’s most important architectural and historic buildings. This will be augmented by investment in the storytellers themselves.  The Built Heritage Programme will also be complimented by the development of a Lighting Scheme for the city.

That is why the Business & Cultural Animation Programme has focussed on the people of the city, in particular those who work in the service industries, in hotels and accommodation, in cultural centres, visitor attractions and historical groups - people who both engage with the visitor and who provide the human element.