Revised plans lodged for major riverside apartments scheme

Wavensmere Homes has submitted revised plans for a major apartments scheme next to the River Derwent.

In response to stakeholder feedback, Wavensmere, along with Wilson Bowden Developments, has put forward updated proposals for the scheme, in Full Street.

The development will feature 195 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, within a redesigned finely detailed u-shaped nine-storey red brick building.

The plans hope to address concerns from stakeholders, with a reduction in the height of the proposed development to bring it within the confines of the extant office planning permission.

James Dickens, managing director at 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.

“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.”

Wavensmere said that the top/ninth floor has been redesigned with a discreet glazed curtain wall, set-back by 1.5 metres to create full roof terraces.

The stepped roofline – and loss of four apartments alongside the riverside elevation – will enable the proposed development to blend in with the existing adjacent residential building.

The revised dwelling mix introduces studio apartments and two-bedroom duplex homes, along with fully glazed cantilevered balconies to all plots overlooking Cathedral Green and the River Derwent.

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 Connect Derby’s 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.

Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects has drawn up the revised plans, inspired by the traditional architecture and heritage assets within the vicinity.

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: “Our proposed scheme will help towards Derby City Council’s target to provide a minimum of 11,000 new homes throughout the city over the coming decade.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Derby City Council’s Officers, Councillors, and wider stakeholders, as our revised plans are considered.”

Matthew Branton, managing director of Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “Throughout the design process, our team has been conscious of the need for this proposed development to carefully close the wider urban block and positively front Full Street, Cathedral Green and the waterside, improving the safety, attractiveness, and animation of the adjacent public areas.

“We have taken a context led approach to a layered facade design, incorporating quality detailing and a refined material palette, while paying homage to the surrounding architecture and heritage assets, ensuring the Cathedral is always the star of the show.

“Since first submitting plans last October, we have spent considerable time refining the design and generating these revised plans, which address stakeholder feedback.”