244-bedroom student block handed over in Derby

A multi-million pound student apartment complex which is now one of Derby’s tallest buildings has been completed by Clegg Construction.

The nine-storey high block, in Agard Street, stands at 26-metres tall and comprises of 244 bedrooms and communal areas.

The building, for developers Jensco (Derby) on behalf of the University of Derby, also houses a series of communal areas including kitchens and dining spaces.

There is provision for cycle parking outside, landscaping and pedestrian access points from Agard Street.

The accommodation is based next door to the University of Derby’s Law School, which is situated in the One Friar Gate Square building, also built by Clegg Construction.

Tram tracks and cobbles dating back to the 1800s have also been reinstated in Short Street, next to the building, after being carefully removed.

Photographs, site plans, survey data, a detailed report and measurements of the tram tracks and cobbles were used to reinstall them towards the end of the build in order to preserve part of Derby’s heritage.

The 45-metre section of horse-powered tramlines ran along Short Street, an old street which once connected Agard Street and Friar Gate and was associated with the 1881 Friar Gate tram depot which operated across Derby.

Simon Blackburn, managing director of Clegg Construction, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with two landmark buildings in Derby, One Friar Gate Square and the student flats complex next door.
“We are also pleased to have been able to support the local area through the Section 106 agreement and carry out the important work of preserving a piece of Derby’s history by reinstalling the tram tracks and cobbles.”

Nigel Bobroff, Chief Executive of Jensco, said “Clegg Construction have done a fantastic job in delivering our latest development for the University of Derby, both on time and on budget. It has been a pleasure to work with them again.”