Retail and shop plans lodged for redevelopment of Austin's Department Store

Plans for new retail floor space and a shop have been lodged with the planning body Derry City and Strabane District Council for the redevelopment of Austin's Department Store.

The plans have been lodged by 'Austins Regeneration Trust Limited'.

Austin's is a listed building and any changes being made to the site requires approval.

The application is expected to come before a council meeting in the near future.

The plans include changing the use of 4th floor offices to space for a retail floor. Also included is a new rear extension to the upper floors.

The planning application summary reads: "Refurbishment & restoration of vacant Listed Building with proposed new rear extension to upper floors. Ground floor dual fronted shop front to be re-designed with tradition materials & appearance. Restoration & corrective work to façade retaining all elements. Change of use from 4th floor offices to retail floor space."

Austin's is well known as one of Europe’s oldest department stores, predating Harrods of London and Macy's of New York.

The store has been empty after closing its doors last year after 186 years of trade.