Major student accommodation development approved in Derry

A major student accommodation development on Strand Road, near Ulster University's campus in Londonderry, has been granted planning approval.

The campus, formerly known as Magee, has around 6,500 students, with a target of reaching 10,000 by 2032.

The expansion of the campus in Derry is seen by many in the north west as a key economic driver for the region, with a taskforce established in 2024 to explore the plans.

On Wednesday, Derry City and Strabane District Council's planning committee gave the green light to 281 student units, alongside a landscaped courtyard and roof terrace.

The university bought several plots of land in the city in February last year to help facilitate student expansion plans.

Some students at the campus previously told BBC News NI that they struggled to find suitable student accommodation, which they said meant "many did not get the full university experience" living at home with parents. .

Some local residents who live near the campus also expressed concerns, saying they wanted to see a cap on the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) if student numbers at the university increased.

Questions had previously been raised about funding for the continued expansion of Ulster University's campus in Derry.

Ian Snowden, a senior official at the Department for the Economy, said that growing the Derry campus, along with another UU campus at Coleraine, would require an additional £40m a year.

In response, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said she "remains fully committed" to the university's expansion, describing it as a "top priority" and also ruled out an increase in student fees beyond the rate of inflation.

Chair of the planning committee, John Boyle, welcomed the approval on Wednesday, describing it as a key milestone in reinforcing the city's standing as a university destination.

"This is a significant and very welcome development for our city," the SDLP councillor said.

"The approval of this purpose-built student accommodation on Strand Road represents another positive step in strengthening Derry's position as a vibrant and thriving location to both study and work.

"The provision of high-quality student housing is integral to plans for the expansion of the university here and helps ensure students have access to modern, well-located accommodation.

"It's also encouraging that the proposal received positive engagement from local residents. Developments like this not only enhance the student experience but also contribute to the wider regeneration and economic vitality of the city."