Work under way at former Budget DIY store

Metal fencing has been erected around the site as work gets under way.

Construction workers were today removing panels from the side of the large building, which has been vacant for the past decade, since the closure of Budget back in 2006.

Earlier this year it emerged that the new Home Bargains store could create up to 100 jobs, with planning permission being granted back in March for the £6m project.

The large store, located along the junction on Buncrana Road and Strand Road in Pennyburn, has been boarded to the front, with metal fencing to the sides and rear as works which are now under way.

Panels removed as work gets under way at the former Budget DIY store site, 10 years after it closed. The site is to become a new Home Bargains flagship store.

Adjoining and neighbouring stores meanwhile remain open for business.

The Journal understands that no date has yet been fixed for the opening of the new Home Bargains store.

Earlier this year the Council approved the application from Home Bargains TJ Morris to develop the site and for “the sale of convenience and comparison goods”.

Associated development works are to include the demolition of former Xtra Vision unit at the other end of the complex.

The Budget DIY store has been boarded up ahead of the works.

A new garden centre is also planned, as well as reconfiguration of car parking.

A representative from TJ Morris Ltd told the Council earlier this year that the plans involved a flagship Home Bargains outlet supported by £6 million investment.

He also stated that the development would create 100 jobs and enhance competitive retail environment in conjunction with increasing local rates revenue.

Sinn Féin Councillor Mickey Cooper has previously said that “a lot of hard work” had gone into getting the project to the planning stage.