Plans Submitted to Transform Derry's Iconic Former Austins Department Store into Cultural Hub with Library and Exhibition Space
The Inner City Trust has submitted formal planning applications to Derry City and Strabane District Council to transform the former Austins department store — a five-storey, 25,000 square foot building that served the Diamond area of Londonderry for more than 180 years before closing in 2016 — into a multi-functional cultural and community hub featuring a library, dedicated exhibition spaces, and a relocated café with views over the city centre.
Background
Austins of Derry was, by the time of its closure in 2016, one of the oldest department stores in the world. Founded in 1830, it traded continuously from its prominent position on the Diamond — the historic heart of Londonderry's walled city — for 186 years, surviving two world wars, the Troubles, and the transformation of the retail landscape that claimed so many of its contemporaries. Its closure, when it came, was felt as a significant loss not just commercially but culturally, as the store had been woven into the fabric of the city's life for generations of Derry families.
The building itself is a substantial Victorian commercial structure, occupying a commanding position at the top of Shipquay Street and overlooking the Diamond. Its five storeys and 25,000 square feet of floor space represent a significant regeneration opportunity, but also a significant challenge: the building had been allowed to deteriorate following its closure, and the Inner City Trust — which purchased it with the support of a £1.2 million grant from the Department for Communities and nearly £0.5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund — has described the restoration process as a "joyful challenge" that began with urgent structural stabilisation work.
The Inner City Trust has a strong track record of developing significant landmarks in Derry, including the Tower Museum and the Bishop's Gate Hotel, and its involvement in the Austins project has been welcomed by local stakeholders as a guarantee of quality and community focus. The Trust's approach has consistently prioritised the integration of heritage conservation with contemporary use, and the Austins project follows this model.
Key Developments
The planning applications submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council include proposals for a rear extension spanning the first to fourth floors, along with various internal and external alterations to the existing structure. The proposed development would introduce a library and dedicated exhibition space within the building, alongside the relocation of the former third-floor café to the top floor, where it would benefit from views overlooking the city centre — a feature that is expected to make it a significant visitor attraction in its own right.
Libraries NI has confirmed that it is exploring the potential for library use within the building, noting that any final decision remains subject to stakeholder engagement, business case approval, and budget confirmation. The inclusion of a library in the development would be particularly significant for the city centre, which currently lacks a dedicated public library facility in the immediate vicinity of the Diamond.
Local stakeholders, including city centre traders and political representatives from across the council chamber, have expressed strong support for the project. The development is seen as a vital move to combat dereliction in the city centre, increase footfall, and restore a key piece of the city's heritage to active use. The Derry Chamber of Commerce has noted that the regeneration of the Austins building could act as a catalyst for further investment in the Diamond area.
Why It Matters
The transformation of the Austins building matters for Derry in ways that go beyond the immediate regeneration of a single property. The Diamond is the symbolic heart of the city, and the presence of a large derelict building in such a prominent location has been a visible reminder of the challenges facing Derry's city centre economy. The successful redevelopment of the site would send a powerful signal about the city's confidence in its future and its capacity to attract investment and visitors.
The choice of a cultural and community use — rather than a purely commercial development — also reflects a broader understanding of what city centres need to thrive in the post-pandemic era. Across the United Kingdom and Ireland, the most successful city centre regeneration projects have been those that have created destinations rather than simply adding retail floor space. A library, exhibition space, and café with city views has the potential to draw visitors from across the northwest and beyond, complementing the city's existing cultural offer including the Guildhall, the Museum of Free Derry, and the Walled City.
For context, Derry has been working to regenerate its city centre for decades, with mixed results. The Peace Bridge and the Ebrington development on the east bank of the Foyle have been significant successes, but the west bank city centre has continued to struggle with vacancy and footfall challenges. The Austins project represents one of the most significant opportunities to address this imbalance.
Local Impact
In practical terms, the development would bring a significant new public amenity to the heart of Derry's city centre, within walking distance of the Bogside, the Fountain, and the Waterside via the Peace Bridge. A library in the Diamond area would serve communities across the city, including students from Magee University campus and the many schools in the surrounding area. The exhibition space would provide a venue for local artists, community groups, and cultural organisations that currently lack adequate facilities in the city centre.
The construction phase of the project is expected to create employment in the local construction sector, and the completed development would provide permanent jobs in library services, hospitality, and cultural programming. The Inner City Trust has indicated that it will prioritise local employment and procurement throughout the project.
What's Next
The planning applications are now with Derry City and Strabane District Council for consideration. A decision is expected within the standard planning timeframe of eight weeks, though complex applications of this nature sometimes take longer. Libraries NI will need to complete its business case and stakeholder engagement process before confirming its involvement. The Inner City Trust has indicated that, subject to planning approval and funding confirmation, construction could begin in 2027, with the completed development opening to the public in 2028 or 2029.
