Austins: MyDerry readers' suggestions for what should happen with city's oldest department store

It's wasn't that long ago that Derry's oldest department store was thriving in the heart of the city centre.

However, the iconic Austins finally closed its doors in 2016 after managing to survive the great Irish famine, two world wars, the partition of the island and the Ulster Troubles.

The store - based in the Diamond area of the city - was originally opened by Thomas Austin in 1830.

It's thought to have been one of the oldest department stores in the world, launching before Macy’s in New York and Harrods in London.

In 2017, it was hoped the building could be returned to its former glory when an application to restore and refurbish Derry's historic Austins' building was lodged with planners.

However, to date, nothing had come from the plans.

In a question put to MyDerry readers last week, we asked what you would like to see the premises turned into.

Over 100 people got back to us and here is what they said:

• Una Feeney-McCullagh - "Hotel/restaurant. I agree Derry needs somewhere for the homeless, but not in the hub of the city centre."

• Anna Kivelehan -"A boutique Hotel would be lovely."

• Linda Bradley - "Definitely should be restored and kept as much as possible the way it was, and lots of lovely shops inside it, we sure do need some more shops in Derry."

• Julie Thompson - "Open it up as Austin’s again!"

• Heather McClelland - "Apartments, hotel, restaurant or independent shops."

• Collette Ramsey - "Definitely a hotel."

• Dawn Duffy - "Should be restored and brought back to life it's so sad just sitting there."

• Margaret Smith - "Indoor market stalls."

• Aisling Wallace - "Nightclub. Derry needs one."

• Sinead Quinn - "It would be beautiful as a hotel, restaurant and bar."

• Eddie Kerr - "New council offices."

• Gareth Lamrock - "Science Park."

• Roy Devine - "Big adventure building like Legoland."

• Marie Laverty - "Refurbished and opened for small shops only."

For dozens more suggestions, make sure to visit our Facebook post here, where you can also make your own recommendations.

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