Dunnes Stores is substantially expanding its presence at Foyleside in Derry, converting the shopping centre’s former food court into an enlarged fashion, lifestyle and homewares store and adding a panoramic in‑store café, according to the Derry Journal. The overhaul follows three decades of continuous trading at the site and represents what the retailer describes as its most ambitious refurbishment at the location to date. Ireland Live reports the project involves a multimillion‑euro investment designed to create a single, cohesive retail environment.

When finished the reconfigured floorplate will total 43,591 sq ft, making it Dunnes Stores’ largest unit in Northern Ireland and reflecting a clear vote of confidence in the Derry market, industry reporting shows. Estates Gazette and other commercial property commentary note that the scale of the space underscores both the retailer’s commitment and the strategic importance of the Foyleside location within the region’s retail mix.

A central feature of the redevelopment is a new café intended to operate as a destination in its own right, offering breakfast, a traditional carvery, fish and chips, sandwiches, soups and food‑to‑go alongside a focus on quality coffee and desserts. The café is sited to take advantage of panoramic views over the River Foyle, a design choice the centre says will make it one of the more distinctive dining spots in the city.

The refreshed store will showcase Dunnes’ in‑house and partnered fashion labels and specialist ranges while emphasising flexibility for shoppers. Reports identify a line‑up of well‑known names and specialist concessions intended to broaden choice across clothing, homewares and food‑to‑go, signalling a shift toward an experience that blends destination shopping with convenience.

Foyleside management framed the redevelopment as a milestone for the centre, saying the layout and finish have been created to reflect contemporary shopping habits and to elevate the overall visitor experience. Dunnes’ local management expressed pride in the project and thanked customers for their patience during construction, noting the finished store aims to deliver a level of fit‑out comparable with flagship city locations.

The investment comes against a backdrop of recent ownership and market data for Foyleside. The centre, which opened in 1995 and comprises more than 50 units, was sold to a local business consortium in a deal reported at approximately £27 million; it has historically maintained high occupancy and strong footfall, figures that have underpinned retailer confidence in continued investment. Commercial coverage notes anchor tenants such as Frasers and Marks & Spencer sit alongside Dunnes, and that robust letting levels and annual visitor numbers have helped support redevelopment plans.