A £1.2 million grant has sparked fresh hope for Derry’s historic city centre, with the Inner City Trust securing the funds to snap up the long-vacant Austins department store. This landmark listed building, a familiar fixture in a prime spot, has stood empty for nine years—until now.
The hefty investment marks a bold move to tackle dereliction and breathe new life into the heart of the city.
The cash injection, will see the Trust take ownership and kick off urgent restoration work to safeguard Austins’ rich heritage. It’s a first step in a broader push to lift the city centre’s fortunes, blending physical renewal with social and economic uplift.
Already, the Trust is chatting with public and private players to dream up future uses for this storied site.
Minister Lyons, announcing the deal, put it plainly:
“I am pleased my Department has been able to fund the purchase of the ‘Austins’ building. The investment of £1.2million is the first step in the regeneration of this iconic building located at the heart of the Historic Conservation Area. This investment will have a transformative effect, not only on Austins, but will contribute to the regeneration of the wider city centre and underlines my commitment to delivering projects which regenerate our urban areas, develop stronger communities and support their continued growth. This is an exciting time for the city and the wider region and this project, along with several others which my Department are also supporting, contributes to these commitments.”
Rev Robert Miller, Chairman of the Inner City Trust, sees it as a turning point for the city.
“This investment is a testament to the power of partnership,” he said, tipping his hat to the Minister’s backing. “I am deeply grateful to the Minister and his Department for their commitment to this key project, which aligns seamlessly with the Inner City Trust’s vision to drive the physical, social, and economic regeneration of the City Centre.
He’s got big plans, too:
“This restoration will not only breathe new life into an important historic building but will also strengthen the Department for Communities’ Public Realm Scheme and the transformative ambitions of the Derry City and Strabane District Council’s City Deal. It sends a clear message of confidence to other investors that our city is a place of progress, innovation, and opportunity. Our built heritage is a cornerstone of our identity, and through projects like this, it will play a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant, reimagined City Centre – one that fosters prosperity and inspires generations to come.”
For Derry, this isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s a signal that the city centre’s pulse is picking up.
With the Trust’s vision and government muscle behind it, Austins could be the spark that lights up a wider revival, drawing eyes and wallets back to a corner of the UK ripe for rediscovery.