City Landmark Decision

An ambitious scheme to invest £30m bringing £68m of economic benefit, by building 201 high quality build-to-rent apartments on Derby’s North Riverside, will be considered by planners tonight.

The 17-storey Landmark tower – proposed by Bondholder Godwin Developments – received outline approval from planners in 2019 but is being reconsidered following a technical review on concerns that it could impact on the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site. Heritage architects and Bondholder Lathams has submitted a detailed assessment that assuages those fears and the case is made that investment helps protect the city’s heritage.

The proposal has received universal support from the city’s business community – including the Derby Economic Development Advisory Committee – as being exactly the sort of positive statement of ambition that can play an important role in Derby’s post-Covid recovery.

Stephen Pratt of Godwin said: “We are a national developer, with our roots firmly in the East Midlands. When we took on the opportunity on Phoenix Street, we consulted widely with local residents, the Derby business community and the local authority. What we found was a city full of ambition and enthusiasm – for regeneration and growth.”

The planning committee will be held online at 6pm on Thursday 18th June and can be viewed here.

Kevin McGrath, managing partner of Bondholder Smith Partnership, based in the city centre, has written in support, describing the application as “an exciting opportunity to develop one of Derby’s long-standing regeneration sites” and that “the city desperately needs development if it is to preserve its heritage.”

Respected think-tank, the Centre for Cities, has identified Derby as having a ‘weak’ city centre, due to an over reliance on retail and insufficient people living and working in the city centre.

Marketing Derby has urged the committee to once again approve the application.

John Forkin, managing director said “People are crying out for change and for signals that Derby is shaping up its offer as a place to live, work and visit. The Landmark can play a crucial role in building confidence and act as a catalyst for north Riverside which could be a dynamic community contributing to the city.”

The planning committee will be held online at 6pm on Thursday 18th June and can be viewed here.