Becketwell regeneration takes big step forward
The redevelopment of the Becketwell area in Derby city centre is set to move to the next phase after the United Reformed Church agreed to move to a new site.
The church, represented by Salloway Property Consultants, has exchanged contracts on the sale of Victoria House to Derby City Council and will now move to Stuart House on Green Lane.
Managing director Stephen Salloway said: “These transactions represent the final piece of the jigsaw in making way for the first phase of the most significant development project the city centre has seen since Westfield/Intu.
“It was not an easy deal because it involved sale and relocation. We all believe in the Becketwell redevelopment but there needed to be flexibility and co-operation on all sides to make this happen.
“The United Reformed Church was always keen to support such a significant regeneration project but has had to balance that with the requirements of the congregation and the very important community services it offers.
“To achieve these deals, we have needed co-operation from both the estates and regeneration departments of the council, the Prince family, who are the owners of Stuart House, and their agent Rayboulds.
“We would also like to thank Becketwell’s developer, St James Securities, whose team have also been extremely helpful.”
The Victoria Street Congregational Church dates back to 1778 when services were held in the Market Place.
The Brookside Chapel, built in 1784 was the first church on the current site and was replaced by a second church in 1860, followed by a third building in 1963.
