A whiskey tasting emporium could be built in Derry under new plans submitted to the council.
The plans, which have been submitted on behalf of David A Watt & Company Ltd, will also include a restaurant and retail elements.
If approved, it would bring the plans to the area between 7 to 17 Foyle Street in what would help transform the popular street.
Local businessman Garvan O’Doherty of the Garvan O’Doherty Group (GODG) has brought the investment proposition forward.
Parts of the site was previously occupied by Duffy's Bar while other retail units and office space were used to populate the rest.
It's understood developers are only at the start of the planning process and discussions are ongoing with city planners to develop a masterplan for the new tourism-led hospitality spot.
In a statement, David A Watt & Company Ltd said: "The buildings have for some time been "above shop” vacant and are in a state of deterioration, it is envisaged that the buildings restoration and new build element will be assisted by the key change of use to a vibrant Tourism led Hospitality and Retail Experience.
"This is in keeping with the style and layout of the buildings including the reintroduction of the original shopfront features at ground floor level.
"It is essential in revitalising and recovering the architectural heritage of the city centre, that the work of John Guy Ferguson is recovered and reinstated in this location.
"There is a unique opportunity for a "landmark” historical refurbishment of a large piece of the city centre, by the private sector, in the form of this project combined with the currently approved works to Nos 1-4 Shipquay Place."
It added: "It is equally important that financially viable uses can be found for the buildings which will protect them for future generations. With this as our starting point, the major elements of the design strategy can be outlined in the following headings
"The overarching design intent is to create a new vibrant external space and experience/exhibition building which, whilst attached to the buildings on Foyle Street will be read as contemporary and of its time and as noted not trying to mimic the original Commercial Building by John Guy Ferguson."
The application is set to go before the Derry City and Strabane District Council in the coming months.
