Northern Ireland

Guildhall Square among post-lockdown public spaces in Derry which could be used by restaurants

Guildhall Square in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Guildhall Square in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Guildhall Square in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

THE use of Derry’s Guildhall Square for restaurants is one option being considered as the city prepares to exit from lockdown.

Jim Roddy, manager of the Derry City Centre Initiative (CCI), said among proposals is making use of open spaces for restaurants which could not “trade out” into such areas in the past.

He suggested the city centre’s Guildhall Square, Waterloo Place and pedestrianised zones could be used.

Mr Roddy said Derry City and Strabane District Council was working with all stakeholders to plan for emerging from the coronavirus lockdown.

He said plans had to deal with the needs of everyone using the city centre including visitors and business owners.

“It’s all very easy to say just let people in (to shops) one at a time," he said.

"That probably takes a shop to employ another person at a door to ensure that that’s looked after.

"If you’re only allowing people in one at a time then the chance of that shop being successful in business and being able to contribute to society, paying rates and everything else is much more limited."

Mr Roddy said Derry city centre was also being mapped out to ensure social distancing could be observed in situations where queues were anticipated.

The fact it is a walled city with a conservation area has made it more difficult in terms of planning.