Plans revealed for 800 homes on former Royal Infirmary site

How the new scheme will look

The new owner of the land formerly occupied by the Derby Royal Infirmary have revealed its plans to develop the site – with all retail space seemingly dropped.

BJD Investors and Developers have submitted plans for a revised Nightingale Quarter on the site. The company says it will “deliver a high-quality residential neighbourghood” on the site and has submitted plans to Derby City Council which will be voted on by the Planning Committee on 14 February next year. If successful, work will commence in August 2019, with the first homes available in autumn 2020.

The site is now expected to incorporate close to 800 new homes. Following consultation, BJD has decided against including retail on the site.

James Dickens, founder of BJD, said: “Derby City Council and Marketing Derby have been a pleasure to work with, their pragmatic approach and can-do attitude has been greatly received by us as a developer.”

Two iconic Pepper Pot buildings still remain on the site and BJD have decided to make both buildings a key feature of the scheme. Other historical features of the site will be refurbished and restored, including the five villas opposite Hartington Street, following a consultation with the Conservation Officer.

Dickens said: “Both pepper pots will be retained for community use such as cafes/gyms, exhibition space or visitor centres. We understand the sensitivity and importance of these local landmarks as the hospital played a pivotal role in the city and we want them to be enjoyed by all.”

The Nightingale Quarter is also set to be labelled as a “green oasis” in the city centre, according to Dickens. He said, “We have been working with Derby City Council’s planning team to create an environment which encourages an active lifestyle comprising cycle routes, promenades, open air gym fitness areas, children’s play areas and lots of substantial planting running through the main axis of the site. As a result we feel the scheme will have a much greater positive impact on the city than originally planned.”

John Forkin, managing director of inward investment agency, Marketing Derby said: “This is an important step in bringing forward development of one of the largest city centre regeneration sites in the country. The Nightingale Quarter will be a desirable residential location in Derby city centre, and, providing planning deadlines are met, should be developed at pace. I look forward to seeing this important part of Derby’s past becoming a vital community asset for its future too.”

“BJD have already made a commitment to long term investment in Derby by becoming a Marketing Derby bondholder and we look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”

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