Plans lodged for major city centre apartments scheme

Plans have been submitted for a major new apartments scheme in Derby city centre.

Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments have submitted a full planning application to Derby City Council to build Cathedral One, which will consist of 186 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

The nine-storey building would be constructed on vacant land bounded by Full Street to the west and the River Derwent to the east.

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “This challenging brownfield site occupies one of the best locations within Derby city centre and benefits from rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent.

“It has been vacant for 10 years and the opportunity to create an exemplary development, reflective of the prime gateway location, is exciting.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Marketing Derby is delighted to see plans submitted to bring 186 new homes onto this important site, which has laid vacant for too long.

“Wavensmere is a proven contributor to Derby’s regeneration and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate developer for a sensitive riverside site, contributing significant benefit to the setting of Derby Cathedral and the Museum of Making.”

The development site was previously occupied by a police station, which was constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013.

Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016.

It included the refurbishment of Riverside Chambers office complex, delivery of 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green, and a Premier Inn hotel.

The remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but it will now be brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for Cathedral One.

According to Wavensmere, its residential development proposals are designed to complete the jigsaw of this prime Derby city centre site by providing dual aspect landscaped public realm over Cathedral Green, while enhancing the activity along Full Street.

In addition to the apartments, 2,000 sq ft of mixed-use space has been accommodated at ground floor level to overlook Cathedral Green and Full Street.

A range of uses are earmarked for this space, including a new café and residential facilities such as a gymnasium, co-working zone, and concierge point.

James said: “The plans we have submitted for Cathedral One would help towards Derby City Council’s target to provide a minimum of 11,000 new homes throughout the city over the coming decade.

“By appropriately densifying this derelict brownfield site within such a prized and popular city location, we will create highly energy-efficient homes for well over 250 people who will then spend their time and disposable income locally.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Derby City Council’s officers, councillors, and wider stakeholders, as this planning application is considered.”

Currently, Wavensmere Homes is delivering the £175 million Nightingale Quarter residential scheme, which features more than 900 houses and apartments.

The company has also submitted plans for the historic Friar Gate Goods Yard site in central Derby, which could be transformed into 276 houses and apartments, and over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space.

To view the plans for Cathedral One visit http://www.fullstreetderby.com.