L’Derry Building To Make Way For New Family Justice Centre

Plans are moving forward to develop a new family justice centre in L’Derry.Approval was granted to demolish the former Poundstretcher building on Bishop Street to make way for the new development.The family justice centre – “One Safe Place” -, for Foyle Women’s Aid will consist of a reception, offices, family rooms, ancillary facilities and a public drop-in centre cafe at ground floor level with nine supported housing units in a separate associated block to the rear at 7-9 Bishop Street.Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee approved the demolition of the former Poundstretcher building subject to a number of conditions.The development comprises of a social enterprise café and shared justice centre that occupies the three floors of the building, which fronts onto Bishop Street and the nine supported living units, which are located on a new build block to the rear of the proposed Justice Centre/café.The new build bloc will be a three story building that will include a family room space with covered open space for children along with nine apartment. The block will be attached to the Justice Centre through a glazed covered atrium on the ground floor.Chairperson of the Planning Committee Cllr Christopher Jackson welcomed the planning decision and voiced delight at a derelict site in the city being brought back to life.