Planning application submitted to turn Derry factory into 88 apartments
A planning application has been lodged to turn an historic Derry factory into 88 apartments.
The former shirt factory at the bottom of Abercorn Road has been derelict in recent years.
However, a developer now wants to transform the building into a modern apartment complex.
As part of the proposed project, seven terrace houses on the adjacent would also be converted into apartments.
The Derry News first revealed the plans for the Abercorn Road building last month.
It came after a public meeting was held in city where the developers met with politicians and members of the local community to discuss the proposals.
A planning application has now been lodged seeking approval to concert the existing building into 52 apartments, and a further new build accommodation at the rear of the factory building which would house a further 36 apartment units.
The factory is a listed building, so the developer also has to apply for Listed Building Consent for any planned work.
Speaking at last month’s meeting in the Holywell Trust building in Bishop Street, Paul Martin, representing the developers, said that in addition to the new apartments, there would also be an underground car park constructed at the building, providing 38 spaces.
Mr Martin said that of the 88 flats, 72 would be one-bedroom while the remaining 16 would be two-bedrooms.
He also revealed that the flats would be available to rent only, with the weekly cost being around £120.
However, some of those in attendance, many of whom live in the Abercorn Road and Fountain areas, expressed concerns that the flats would attract anti-social behaviour, given that the bulk of the planned dwellings were single bedroom apartments.
Mr Martin said that he would give a written guarantee to all the surrounding residents that none of their tenants would be involved in anti-social behaviour.
He added that a number of measures – including 24 hour security - would also reduce the potential for trouble.