24/09/2026
There has been a lot of debate over recent days about the decline and now imminent demolition of the Old Convent, Pump Street (a listed building).
What has been really disappointing is that the loss of such a heritage building has hardly been mentioned in any of the mainstream media. Yes, the building is now in an unsafe state, and urgent action was needed both for safety and for the harm it was causing to local businesses operating. However, yet again why was such a significant heritage building neglected for so long and allowed to fall into disrepair?
This echoes the Tillie and Henderson saga from the early 2000's and more recently in another part of N.Ireland, the Antrim Arms Hotel in North Antrim. All these, and many many more, heritage buildings have had the same, sad timeline. Important heritage buildings left to decay until the only recourse appears to be demolition.
It will be great to see the street reopen, not only for locals and tourists, but more importantly for the many great quality businesses based around the Cathedral Quarter, many of whom are as unique as the area itself. Let's hope, that it's replacement is in keeping with the heritage around it. Hopefully our planners and Councillors will realise that it is not the shopping centres or modern buildings that make a city distinctive, but its people, history and heritage. This is what needs to be protected and recognised as part of the city's unique offer.
Barriers and shipping containers have been in place near the former convent in Derry for almost a year.
