building on peace
The twenty-first century has seen a developing confidence in the city as it has sought to realise the advantages of peace. Investment has been put into tourist infrastructure with a string of museums developed around the Walls, and the conservation of prominent historic buildings. Significant investment has also been put into paving and street furniture, such as here in the Guildhall Square, with the aim of complementing and improving the character of the city.
Some good quality architecture has also been specifically commissioned with an eye to its cultural and physical impact. This has mainly been by the community arts sector with support form the Arts Council and other bodies like the Heritage Lottery Fund. Examples include: the Playhouse, housed in historic school buildings with an award winning extension; the Waterside Theatre housed in a former Shirt Factory with a fine extension; the Verbal Arts Centre, housed in another former school, with its extension of the mid 1990’s and An Gaeleras, an award winning Gaelic cultural centre, set within a Georgian Conservation Area. |
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