A Belfast construction company is celebrating after landing a £6m contract as part of one of the north west's largest ever regeneration projects.

Following SIAC Construction's recent success in landing a €400m (£374m) motorway development in Poland, its Northern Ireland operating arm, SIAC (NI) Ltd, has been awarded the deal to redevelop the parade ground at the former Ebrington Barracks in Londonderry into a new public square.

The regeneration of the parade ground is considered by the Derry regeneration organisation, Ilex, to be fundamental, as it will provide a link from the Waterside to the Peace Bridge, and on to the city centre's commercial core.

It will also create a 'destination space' in Ebrington for a range of culture and leisure activities.

Holding up to 15,000 people, it will help to bring communities together by providing space for interaction and engagement.

Similar in size to Trafalgar Square in London and Donegall Square in Belfast, the redeveloped square will help promote economic activity, and is a major first step in the regeneration of the former army base.

Kieran Doyle, regional director of SIAC (NI) Ltd, said that the square will provide a focal point for Derry's City of Culture celebrations.

"It will also offer local employment opportunities, and is a welcome boost to our ongoing operations and expansion in Northern Ireland," he said.