The Henderson Group has applied for planning permission to redevelop its Spar Drumahoe site in Glenshan Road, Londonderry.
The existing site comprises two blocks of buildings. To the front of the site there are six units, including a Spar, a pharmacy, off licence and a hot food unit, which will all be relocated into new units. To the rear of the site there are three units: two hot food and a café. There is a petrol forecourt to the front with four pump islands. Other facilities include a jet wash and air/water/ vacuum services, and there are 53 parking spaces.
The planning application to Derry City and Strabane District Council is for the construction of four replacement units to the rear of the site – a EuroSpar, pharmacy, off-licence and a hot food unit. A new ATM will also be provided in the new block. The three existing units to the rear of the site will be retained and refurbished. A new petrol forecourt will be constructed centrally within the site.
The proposed EuroSpar will be 939sq m, of which 648sq m will be the sales area. The two other replacement retail units will be 111sq m and 136sq m, while the replacement hot food unit will be 79sq m.
The existing site access will be reduced from three two-way entries/exits to a single entry and exit.
Parking provision will increase to 113 spaces (including seven accessibility spaces, one air/water/vacuum space, four new EV charging points and six van spaces). There are also 15 additional staff only spaces to the rear of the units.
The application says the proposed development will improve visual amenity and make a positive contribution to, and enhance the character, of Drumahoe.
Renewable and low-carbon energy technology has been included in the design, including provision for PV panels on the roof.
The £5.8m investment by the Henderson Group will see the creation of an additional 30 jobs in the EuroSpar, expected to be 18 full time and 12 part time, across various supervisory and customer service roles.
