Conservation work on historic Austins building in Derry to start in early January
Exploratory and conservation work at the historic Austins building in Derry will commence in early January 2026.
The initial phase of work will last for approximately six to eight weeks. Progress has been confirmed by the Inner City Trust.
Venerable Robert Miller FRSA, Chair of the Inner City Trust, said: “This is the beginning of a new chapter for Austins, transforming a much-loved landmark into a place of pride, energy and opportunity once more.
"By tackling urban blight and drawing people back into the heart of the city, this regeneration will spark fresh life in local businesses, creating lasting benefits for our whole community.”
The exploratory work has been made possible through generous support of £459,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Trust said.
The revised start date, while later than originally hoped, has been scheduled to begin after the busy Hallowe’en and Christmas trading periods so neighbouring businesses can benefit fully from the city’s key retail seasons.
A specialist heritage architecture team from Mullarkey Pedersen Architects, led by Karl Pedersen, will carry out this first phase of conservation work.
Mr. Pedersen, Lead Heritage Architect, said: “This phase is critical, not only for sensitively restoring Austins’ historic fabric, but also for understanding the structural interventions needed to ensure its long-term integrity. We’re committed to honouring its legacy while preparing it for a vibrant future.”
The Trust said its long-term vision is to see a revitalised Austins act as a catalyst for renewed footfall and commercial activity throughout The Diamond.
This, it is hoped, will strengthen the local retail ecosystem, enhancing visitor appeal, and re-establishing this area as a vibrant economic and cultural hub within Derry.
The programme of works will include the development of a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan and detailed investigatory work to assess the building’s condition. These findings will guide the scope and scale of the full restoration phase, planned to begin later in 2026.
Progress on the renovation of the iconic city centre building follows its acquisition by the Inner City Trust last March.
The purchase of the former department store was enabled by a grant of £1.2m from the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.