13th May 1998

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Derry City Council has sold the six and a half acre Aberfoyle Estate on the Strand Road in Derry to Magee College.

The sale will mark the end of more than three years negotiation between the Council and the University of Ulster and will increase the Magee College campus site by almost 50%.

It is believed work will begin to develop the site as soon as is possible. The University has said a site 'master plan' will be developed and, subject to planning permission, it is hoped that work will start on new research and development accommodation first.

Professor Fabian Monds, Provost of Magee College campus said:

"We will develop the site in keeping with the area and keep a lot of the greenery. It may involve actually building into the slope that is there."

The move has been welcomed by the Mayor of Derry, Councillor Martin Bradley:

"Magee College has established an international reputation for excellence. The vision to develop progressive educational programmes for students from all parts of Ireland, Europe and beyond secures its position as a dynamic educational resource. Magee College is part of the city's education heritage and I am delighted to see it expand in such an ambitious manner." he said.

The University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lord Smith of Clifton, said the acquisition of the site and its potential underlines the University's commitment to the North West:

"Magee College and its role in the community, particularly in terms of economic regeneration, is something the University is very proud of. It has driven a lot of our thinking and is, in many ways, our showcase campus in regard to the links between 'town and gown'," he said.

The purchase represents the first acquisition of property by Magee College in the city for more than 130 years.

Since the establishment of the University of Ulster in the city in 1984 it has invested around £20 million on Magee College campus accommodation. The final section of the newest building was completed in February 1995, at which time the site was deemed to be fully developed.

Professor Monds says more space was critical if the student numbers are to increase by more than 20% in the next few years:

"Gaining the Aberfoyle site was essential to our continued growth of the student population from the present strength of 3,000 to 4,000. We expect this to grow over the next few years. This development will also help expansion of our research programmes. We can now plan ahead with confidence and with space to grow."

The Chief Executive of Derry City Council, John Keanie says he believes the development of Magee College is significant for the city and the North West region:

"Over the past number of years Magee College has contributed to the city's economic development by providing a highly skilled and innovative educational resource. The availability of a workforce that has these qualities is a characteristic of our region.

"The continued expansion at Magee College can only contribute to our joint efforts in marketing the North West as an excellent location to do business and support our efforts to promote the region as a location for inward investment."

Aberfoyle House, which is on the site, currently houses the University's conflict resolution project, INCORE.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk