Austins: Plans submitted to transform former Derry department store

Spread over five storeys and 25,000 sq ft, the Austins building dominates its corner of the Diamond and was once synonymous with shopping in Derry for almost two centuries.

In 1830 – some 20 years before Harrods of London began trading and more than a quarter of a century before Macy’s of New York opened its doors – Thomas Austin came to Derry and opened a drapery shop on a city centre corner.

At its height of popularity, Austins had become a cornerstone of shopping, attracting generations of customers and becoming one of the city’s best-known retail landmarks.

As shopping habits changed in the early part of the new century, Austins came under pressure, posting significant losses in 2011 and 2012.

In November 2014, the listed building was sold to the City Hotel Group. The receiver then sold the trading side of the business.

When it closed in 2016, more than 50 workers lost their jobs and the building has lay empty ever since.