The closure and dereliction of Austins has been a concern for the city over the past few years.
Austins department store in Derry was the oldest family-run department store in the world, older than Harrods in London by 15 years and Macys in New York by 25 years.
Derry was devastated by its closure, and many are keen to see the building saved from further dereliction and brought back to life.
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Ulster Architectural Heritage works to promote the historic built environment, its protection, conservation and regeneration.
CEO Dr Paul Harron said: "The former Austin’s building in the Diamond is one of the city’s best known and prominent structures, with a history going back over a century to 1906. Designed by the architect Matthew Robinson and in a flamboyant and joyfully loose Edwardian style it possesses a very lively and distinctive roofline.
"Its value and importance to the city’s historic, social, civic and architectural fabric really can’t be overemphasised and it is vital that it is not lost through neglect, dilapidation of lack of new purpose. When Ulster Architectural Heritage held the Heritage Angel Awards in Derry in 2018, there was a real enthusiasm for our built heritage and for preserving it for future generations.
"Decision makers need to work proactively with each other and local communities in order to preserve our heritage and make it sustainable. A new future for it is needed urgently and meantime it needs to be kept watertight and in sound repair through regular maintenance. As a listed building, it’s formally recognised as a structure of importance and it requires protection and care to avoid its demise."
Earlier this year a Sinn Fein Councillor proposed that a new taskforce be established to breathe new life into the department store.
In a motion set to go before Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr John McGowan is urging the local authority to revitalise the former city centre store.
He said: "This is a landmark building right in the heart of our city centre and it is a tragedy to see it in its current state.
"I believe we should be doing everything possible to realise the potential of this historic and beautiful building which can provide a real economic boost to the city centre."
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