Consultation begins on Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment

Wavensmere Homes has released new computer-generated images of its vision for the historic Friar Gate Goods Yard as part of a public consultation.

Last month, it was announced that the developer had been appointed by the site’s owner, Clowes Developments, to move forward with plans for a residential-led scheme.

A public consultation has now been launched to gain local opinion on the proposals – and as part of that, new visuals have been released to show how new life could be breathed into the derelict site.

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, which is currently delivering the £175 million Nightingale Quarter residential scheme, said: “We are very pleased with how quickly our design team has worked to create the inspiring visuals for how Friar Gate Goods Yard could be reanimated.

“Our plans are commercially viable, while maximising the amount of new public open space, and investing millions into saving the two badly fire-damaged 150-year-old listed buildings.”

Under Wavensmere’s proposals, the landmark site could be transformed into 274 houses and apartments, alongside the restoration of the Grade II listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House to create potential health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, a flexible office space, and other amenities.

The plans also include new areas of public open space, including play spaces and pocket parks.

A new multi-purpose public realm and community space is also proposed for the area adjacent to Friar Gate Bridge, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades.

New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access would be created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also extended.

Friar Gate Goods Yard has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage constraints and commercial viability.

People can view the proposals and have their say by visiting http://www.friargatederby.com . The consultation will close on Friday 19 June.

Following the public consultation period, Wavensmere Homes and Clowes Developments will be in a position to submit a commercially viable planning application to Derby City Council this summer.

James said: “In addition to our masterplan visuals, cross-section plans of the houses can be viewed on the Friar Gate website, to illustrate the innovative designs and energy saving technologies that we are seeking to implement.

“We hope that the people of Derby will engage with the consultation process and welcome the collaborative efforts being made to create something truly special here.”

Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals.

Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices.

It was used as a store for the US Army during the Second World War, housing ammunition and other supplies.

The Engine House once supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse.

The site first became derelict in 1967, and overtime became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair.

An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner steel structure of the two historic buildings.