Planning application submitted for £200m mixed-use scheme
A huge new development in Derby city centre has taken a step forward.
The former Debenhams department store in Derby and surrounding sites including the former Pennine Hotel, NCP Car Park and Laurie House on Colyear Street, have been contracted by St James Securities as part of a deal with Derby City Council.
This will trigger the submission of an outline planning application for the redevelopment of Becketwell and a detailed application for the first phase comprising a new public square and 342 Build to Rent apartments.
The exchange of contracts on the sites marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the £200m regeneration project following lengthy negotiations between Derby City Council and St James Securities.
Phase one of the regeneration scheme comprises of plans for 342 Build to Rent apartments on the site of the former Debenhams store on Victoria Street and a new public square on the site of the current United Reform Church as the centre piece of the development.
The residential development will be made up of two buildings, the tallest of which will extend up to 19 storeys. This building will contain 246 apartments over a ground floor café and restaurant overlooking the new square.
The smaller building will house 96 apartments with a convenience store at ground floor fronting Victoria Street. Both buildings will have rear-decked car parking.
The new multi-purpose public square will be the centrepiece of the proposed development and will be delivered as part of the first phase of development.
The planning application will also be supported by a request to include a range of other complementary uses of the site, including up to 250,000 sq ft of new grade A offices, innovation centre and leisure to complement the residential and a planned multi storey car park with a smaller more intimate courtyard public square called Summerhill Yard to reflect that part of the site’s historic street name.
Paul Morris, director of St James Securities, said: “We were delighted to be chosen by Derby City Council in March 2018 to deliver a truly comprehensive and badly needed major regeneration scheme for Derby city centre.
“I am absolutely delighted that contracts have now been signed and put in place and am proud to say after months of consultation the planning application has been formally submitted.
“We are hopeful of a successful determination to this Application by the end of 2019, which will enable us to make a start on site late spring 2020.”
Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council added: “We welcome St James Securities in submitting a planning application for the redevelopment of Becketwell. The area has been in need of regeneration for years and this is a fantastic step in our plans to transform Derby’s city centre.
“The plans will now be submitted to the Planning Control Committee for consideration.”
The work on the demolition of the former Debenhams building is set to start in September 2019, with construction work on the first phase of development set to commence in 2020.
