New Derry bar and restaurant complex at Ebrington gets green light

The Grade B2 listed former barracks canteen building was historically known as ‘Fisher’ and dates back to 1848 on historical maps.

Consent was approved by Derry & Strabane Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday for the alteration of the building with a three storey extension stepping down to a two storey extension at the rear.

On the basement level, the extension will provide space for a bar/restaurant with access out into an existing cobbled courtyard.

There is also bar/restaurant space on the ground floor and the first floor has space for the kitchen and additional bar/restaurant space.

SDLP Councillor John Boyle proposed the recommendation to approve was accepted, Sinn Féin Councillor Aileen Mellon seconded and all members voted unanimously in favour.

SDLP Councillor Sean Mooney said: “It is another proposal that is going to mutually benefit the site in Ebrington and bring it on.”

Committee Chair Sinn Féin Christopher Jackson added: “It’s a very positive step in terms of the modernisation of an historic building. When we look at the overall use of the building and it’s a bar and restaurant and hopefully we are moving towards a time when bars and restaurants are going to generate and benefit from footfall within our city centre and it’s very much in keeping with what we see for Ebrington Square to become incorporated into our city centre. 

“This is going to be a key element to that and one I think is going to be very exciting.”

In a separate applications, full planning permission and listed building consent was granted for the removal of the existing rear extension and its rebuilding at Building 63 Ebrington Square.

Grade B2 listed Building 63, the former Officers Quarters and Captains House, is a two storey white rendered Georgian building with basement level is located at the north east corner of the square fronting onto the Parade Ground.

The development involves refurbishment works to this listed building which will see the removal of the existing unstable rear return and replacement with a like for like extension. The proposed works will not adversely affect the setting of the listed buildings. 

DUP Alderman Hilary McClintock proposed approval of the recommendations adding: “Even if it is small changes it is good to see things happening on the Ebrington site.”

SDLP Councillor Mooney seconded the recommendations and the applications for full planning permission and listed building consent were approved unanimously.

By Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter