Developer secures deal for city centre retail unit

Berry Homes, which is part of the Berry Group has secured a deal to buy a former furniture shop in Derby city centre, which it will turn into a mixed-use development.

The firm has bought 5 Babington Lane in a deal negotiated by BB&J Commercial.

Sam Berry, director at Berry Homes, said: “We are thrilled at acquiring 5 Babington Lane and the subsequent planning permission, which has been successfully secured.

“This approval allows us to introduce new, affordable accommodation to Derby city centre, while preserving the commercial aspect on the ground floor of the building.

“We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with BB&J as they assist in securing a new tenant for this space.”

Mark Richardson, from BB&J Commercial, said: “We had a lot of interest in this unit, particularly from developers looking to convert the upper floors for residential use.

“The layout of the unit is such that it proved to be a significant challenge so well done to the purchasers for coming up with an imaginative scheme that allowed both residential and commercial uses to operate together.

“The repurposing of city centre buildings to provide such mixed-use developments is gathering pace, and I believe will help to bring a number of buildings back into use.”