Developer lifts lid on new show apartment at £170m scheme

Wavensmere Homes has unveiled a new show apartment at its £170m Nightingale Quarter scheme in Derby.

Targeted at first time buyers, the show home aims to showcase the quality and design of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary redevelopment.

During the past three years, more than 80% of the 925 homes being built at Nightingale Quarter have been matched with buyers.

Five phases of the project are currently under construction, enabling 486 of the homes at the 18.5-acre site to be completed this year.

James Dickens, managing director at Wavensmere Homes, said: “It is remarkable to think we only have the final 20% of the scheme left available.

“As the majority of those plots are apartments, the new two-bedroom show home will help to bring our plans to life.

“In addition, we have virtual reality headsets, interactive touchscreens, and 360-degree walkthroughs, to fully illustrate the detail of the latter phases.

“We are looking forward to taking people around the new show home and welcoming many more new residents to Nightingale Quarter later this year.”

Nightingale Quarter is regarded as one of the UK’s most significant city centre regeneration projects and includes the restoration of landmark buildings and monuments from the 130-year-old former hospital.

Mr Dickens said: “The community aspect of living at Nightingale Quarter is very evident, now that close to 200 houses and apartments are occupied.

“The location and onsite facilities are such a major selling point. We have made a significant investment in public realm and residents’ amenities, as well as restoring historic monuments.”

Wavensmere Homes believes that development opportunities in regional cities like Derby are a great alternative to London and the South East, due to projects being much more deliverable.

It said that Derby saw the sixth highest house price inflation during 2022 – ahead of all London boroughs – with prices rising by 15.8%.

The firm is now hoping its new two-bedroom show apartment will attract more buyers to the scheme and help sell the remaining homes.

It been designed by Birmingham-based Edward Thomas Interiors.

Steve Hird, director at Edward Thomas Interiors, said: “The show home is aimed at a young, professional, city-dwelling couple, and the interiors reflect an aspirational lifestyle.

“The main living area is subtly subdivided into different spaces to relax, eat, work and socialise, illustrating the potential of a typical first-time buyer apartment of 675 sq ft.”