City centre regeneration momentum continues in 2024

Derby’s regeneration moved up several gears during 2024, with significant progress made on many of its major schemes as part of plans to bring more people to live, work and visit the city centre.

Perhaps the most long-awaited has been the redevelopment of the old Friar Gate Goods Yard.

Since 1967, this site has stood empty – and over the years has become a derelict eyesore.

However, earlier this year, Wavensmere Homes and Clowes Developments secured planning permission for a mixed-use scheme to reanimate two landmark Grade II listed buildings on the site into over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space, alongside 276 new build homes.

And Wavensmere wasted no time in moving onto the 11.5-acre site and starting work on the £75 million project.

The first phase will incorporate the formation of a new spine road through the site and remediation works to the two listed buildings.

Simultaneously, construction of the first residential phase will take place, comprising 63 terraced houses, which will be available for occupation before the end of 2026.

The full redevelopment, restoration and construction programme is anticipated to complete by the end of 2028.

2024 also saw Wavensmere, in partnership with Wilson Bowden Developments, secure planning permission for a 195-apartment scheme, in Full Street, called Cathedral One.

The £30 million project, overlooking the River Derwent, will be built on vacant land previously occupied by the former Full Street police station.

And during what has proven to be an incredibly a busy year for Wavesnmere, the firm began work on the final phase of its £175 million Nightingale Quarter scheme.

Located in London Road, on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, the 18.5-acre development incorporates 125 houses and 800 apartments, together with an extensive range of community amenities.

The final apartment block, which will deliver more than 100 new homes to Derby city centre, is due for completion and occupation in late 2025.

During 2024, progress was made on several major schemes – all due to open in 2025 – which will add vibrancy to the city centre.

Among them is Becketwell Live – a new £45.8 million venue, which will accommodate a wide variety of performances and events.

Towards the end of this year, the final seat in the main auditorium of the 3,500-capacity venue was bolted into place.

Main contactor Bowmer + Kirkland is due to hand over the city council-owned building in January.

Meanwhile, its operator ASM Global has already started announcing acts who will perform at the venue once it opens.

Another boost to the city centre will be the reopening of the historic Derby Market Hall, which has been undergoing a £35 million revamp.

The building is being given a new lease of life as a retail and leisure destination, offering a curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce.

It will also feature make and trade stalls, creative spaces, a cosmopolitan food court and bars, as well as events and pop-up activity.

Throughout 2024, work has progressed at pace on the University of Derby’s Cavendish Building, which will be the new home of its Derby Business School.

Situated on a site adjacent to the university’s Friar Gate Square, it has been designed to be a facility for cutting-edge research, learning and teaching.

It will also support businesses in the region and across the globe when it opens next year.

Once built, it is projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030, supporting the local economy and adding to the vibrancy of the city centre.

This year also saw work begin on the Eastern Gateway. Delivered by Derbion and part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, it will create a new façade and urban garden, transforming the area opposite the bus station and the eastern entrance to the shopping and leisure destination.

Work on the project is due for completion during the first half of 2025.

And finally, there was a welcome boost for Derby’s cultural offer after £20 million of government funding was finally rubberstamped to restore the city’s historic Guildhall Theatre and redevelop Derby Theatre.