Wavensmere Homes have been appointed to deliver the residential regeneration project located on the derelict 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) site in central Derby. The site, which is off Uttoxeter New Road, is now set to be transformed into around 275 homes, plus a “significant” element of mixed-use commercial space, which will bring about the restoration of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House. A planning application is currently being prepared, in consultation with Derby City Council and a range of stakeholders.
Thomas Clowes, director of Derbyshire-based Clowes Developments, said: “We are very pleased to be working with a highly innovative developer, who not only has a reputation for restoring heritage assets and revitalising previously used land, but already has a strong legacy of success here in Derby. Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes has become one of this city’s most prominent residential developers, with the €192m (£170m) multi-award-winning Nightingale Quarter becoming one of the finest regeneration and restoration assets in the region. The Wavensmere team had the vision to transform the former Derby Royal Infirmary on London Road – which had laid derelict for a decade – into the vibrant new community it is today. The public, the Council, and all stakeholders can be reassured that the team will be applying the same collaborative approach and huge investment injection to Friar Gate Goods Yard. We would like to mention Cawarden, the specialist contractor, who orchestrated the recent stabilisation works to the listed structures, as well as other site preparation, to allow ourselves and Wavensmere Homes to finally bring the site forward.”
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Clowes Developments to reanimate this landmark, centrally located site. The design proposals that we are currently working up are ground-breaking and provide solutions for bringing the two badly fire-damaged 150-year-old listed buildings within the Goods Yard back into use. A key marker of success will be introducing innovative energy saving technology that keeps the future running costs to occupiers to a minimum. We hope that the people of Derby will once again get behind the collaborative efforts being made to create something truly special here. It is vital that Friar Gate’s two important heritage assets are finally removed from English Heritage’s ‘at risk’ register.”
Glancy Nicholls Architects has been appointed to design the mixed-use scheme. The Friar Gate development proposals will promote sustainable development through the use of low-carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation. The environmental impact of the project is being carefully considered with “pocket parks” and additional green spaces incorporated to deliver new “green lungs”. A key pedestrian link through the site will be reinstated and mature trees will be retained.
