FP McCann Inner Walled City Public Realm Scheme

Project Title: Inner Walled City Public Realm Scheme

Principal Contractor: FP McCann

Contractors Designer: AECOM

Client: Department for Communities

NEC Project Management: Tetra Tech

Public realm construction project enhancing tourism and accessibility in Derry city centre completed by FP McCann
A look at the completed paving upgrade in Derry
A look at public realm upgrades around Magazine street completed by FP McCann
Public realm works around Derry City Walls showcasing high-quality paving, landscaping and enhanced pedestrian spaces.
New pedestrian paving and carriageway surfacing delivered as part of Derry's Inner Walled City regeneration
FP McCann's Inner Walled City project featuring natural stone paving and heritage streetscape improvements.
FP McCann regeneration project improving public spaces within Derry's historic city centre.
Restoring history in a sustainable way by FP McCann
Newly restored stairs and railings by FP McCann as part of Derry project
FP McCann regeneration project improving public spaces within Derry's historic city centre.

Develop and Construct

The Inner Walled City Public Realm project was delivered on a develop-and-construct basis. An outline design was already in place, and AECOM was engaged to complete the detailed design and help create an accessible, attractive and high-quality public realm environment.

The project was delivered in close collaboration with DfI Roads, City Centre Initiative (CCI), NIEA Historic Environment Division (HED), local stakeholders, residents, businesses and visitors to this busy city centre area.

Social Value

The project exceeded its social value target through a wide range of employment, training, engagement and community support initiatives.

Social value outcomes included:

  • 47% achieved through paid employment opportunities for apprentices, students and persons with a disability.
  • 10% achieved through unpaid work experience, including one-day-per-week placements.
  • 22% achieved through skills development activities.
  • 10% achieved through time spent with educational establishments.

The project team worked with Mencap Employment Support Services, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, 3 local primary schools and The Big Bridge. The team also supported local charities and delivered staff training on environmental awareness, modern slavery awareness, and communication.

CCS

The project was registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and received three site monitor visits. Each visit achieved an “Excellent” score, with the score increasing at every assessment.

Historic Setting and High-Quality Surfacing

The Inner Walled City Public Realm project delivered new footpath and road surfacing beside one of Northern Ireland’s most significant historic assets: the Derry City Walls, the largest monument in state care in Northern Ireland.

Natural granite surfacing, complemented by a cobbled band along the walls, created a high-quality finish that respects and enhances the historic setting.

Heritage Protection and Archaeology

The joint between the granite cobble band beside the walls used a lime mortar mix approved by the Historic Environment Division.

Archaeological monitoring was carried out during excavation works, with any points of interest recorded for inclusion in the historic record.

Access, Safety and Traffic Flow

Pedestrian access and safety were improved through contrasting paving, rationalised street furniture and kerb depths designed to current standards.

Kerblines were adjusted to encourage lower vehicle speeds while maintaining traffic flow and emergency access.

Project surfacing included:

  • 2,300m² of natural stone paving to footways.
  • 2,350m² of natural stone setts to carriageways.
  • 1,000m² Asphalt surfacing across the project area.

FP McCann’s ability to order natural stone paving materials directly from source, using its own range of precast, surfacing, mortars & grouts and quarrying materials, supported efficient delivery and quality control across the project.

Heritage Lighting and Energy Efficiency

Heritage-style lighting was installed to complement the historic setting of the City Walls and surrounding listed buildings.

The lighting design provides a traditional appearance while incorporating modern, energy-efficient LED smart lighting. The system allows lux levels to be adjusted as needed, supporting a more sustainable and efficient approach to public realm lighting.

Bespoke Street Furniture

Bespoke bollards were installed throughout the project area, with designs reflecting the history and culture of the city through imagery and poetry.

Society Street Car Park Improvements

Society Street Car Park was redesigned to improve accessibility and create a more attractive public space.

The updated layout includes additional disabled parking provision, a landscaped area finished with high-quality sandstone, and wooden seating for public use.

Existing trees were retained where possible, with additional tree and planting introduced to enhance the setting and support a greener streetscape.