by Gareth Cross
Work is underway on a new shop and apartments planned for a historic site in Derry city centre.
A planning application was lodged earlier this year for a commercial unit and five apartments at the site of the old Munster & Leinster Bank at 9 Shiquay Street.
The bank was designed in 1923 by Belfast architects McArdle and built by Derry builder Robert Colhoun.
It is now a listed building.
Work planned for the site includes 'external restoration works to facades and roof' and 'internal re-ordering to provide commercial unit at ground level with 5 no apartment above'.
The application follows a number of recent developments on Shipquay Street including the Shipquay Boutique Hotel and the River Inn/Silver Street complex.
On Monday The Derry News revealed that a planning application had been lodged for a new pizzeria on the street.
However, the plan for the restaurant, to be known as the 'Walled City Pizzeria' has received opposition from The Donegal Shop which is situated next door.
If approved, the new Pizzeria would be situated at the former Shipquay Books and News site.
It shut down in August 2013 after 23 years of trading at number 10, Shipquay Street and has lain empty ever since.
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