Student accommodation plan for historic Derby building

A developer has submitted plans to turn a Derby city centre property into a mixed-use retail and student accommodation scheme.

Hertfordshire-based Jensco Properties wants to redevelop 30-31 Friar Gate, which was previously used as a shop to distribute motorcycle parts and racing equipment by a company called Brocks.

Jensco says the run-down building could be used to provide “an exciting and functional opportunity for student accommodation. The developer wants to turn the the building into a ground-floor retail unit with 12 student flats above and in the rear of the property.

A design and access statement reads: “The proposed scheme should be considered as a precedent within this section of Friar Gate to further enhance the other surrounding properties which in turn will revitalise this historic area of Derby.”