Work on the massive new Home Bargains store in Derry will completed by early next year, it has emerged.
Planning approval for the new store was issued at a special meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee held in March.
The new store, which will sell convenience and comparison goods, will be located at former Budget DIY store on the Strand Road, which has lain vacant since 2006.
Work started at the site in May, which included the demolition of the old Xtravision building to make room for car parking, and represents a £6million investment in Derry by Home Bargains, who have described the new development as a ‘flagship store’.
The new store will also create 100 new jobs.
It had been hoped that that the store would be opened in time for Christmas.
Speaking to the Derry News earlier this week, the Sinn Fein councillor Mickey Cooper said that work at the site is set to be finished by early 2017.
Cllr Cooper added that he had also been involved in discussions with the developers to resolve issues encountered by those living close to the site.
“Work on the site is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017 which will give local people the opportunity to apply for 100 new jobs,” he told the Derry News.
“I have been in contact with the developers of this site in regards to the expected completion date of the work there plus trying to resolve a number of problems being encountered by residents in Pennyburn Court and McCartney Park.”
Cllr Cooper continued: “I welcome the fact that the works have been carried out thus far with minimal disruption and also that the trees at rear of the site will be landscaped as part of the works which will benefit local residents.”
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