Becketwell regeneration plans get thumbs up from city stakeholders

The developer behind the regeneration of the Becketwell area of Derby has said that local residents, business owners and key stakeholders from across the city have thrown their support behind the plans.

An outline planning application was submitted at the end of August after contracts were exchanged between Leeds-based developer St James Securities and Derby City Council on the former Debenhams department store in Derby and surrounding sites including the former Pennine Hotel, NCP Car Park and Laurie House on Colyear Street.

This followed a public consultation event, which took place back in March at the intu centre, generating 95% of positive responses to the scheme.

Now, residents, business owners and key stakeholders have been invited to comment on the scheme ahead of a planning decision which is expected to be made before the end of the year.

To date, more than twice as many letters of support have been received in favour of the revitalisation of an area which has long been derelict, attracting crime and anti-social behaviour.

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.

The residential development will comprise of two buildings, the tallest of which will extend up to 19 storeys in height. 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. In response to local feedback, the building has been carefully designed to retain the curve of the existing buildings to the Victoria Street frontage.

The outline planning application is supported by a request to include a range of other complementary uses of the site, including up to 25,000 sq m of new Grade A offices, innovation centre and leisure to complement the residential and a planned multi-storey car park, with a smaller courtyard public square called Summerhill Yard to reflect that part of the site’s historic street name.

John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “The derelict site of the former Duckworth Square is arguably Derby’s largest eyesore and has become a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour. This is a one-off opportunity to tackle the single biggest regeneration priority for the city, and if plans are not approved it is likely it will remain derelict and neglected for decades.

“It is imperative that Derby continues to revitalise the centre to deliver Derby City Council’s Masterplan. The proposed Becketwell regeneration improves vibrancy, brings derelict buildings and vacant land back into use and supports the city centre economy, whilst relieving pressure on green belt land.

“There are no other viable, fundable proposals that could bring about the transformation this site so desperately needs.”

The Derby Civic Society have raised objections to the scheme, with their main concerns focusing on the location of the tall building.

Paul Morris, director of St James Securities, said: “It is heartening to see so many of the city’s key stakeholders, business owners and members of the public take the time to submit letters of support for the scheme and we are pleased to see that our enthusiasm for the project is shared by the wider Derby community.

“We will deliver a truly comprehensive and much-needed major regeneration scheme for Derby city centre, which promises to be an energising force for the area.

“We take every comment seriously and will do our utmost to address any concerns that have been shown about the scheme. Many comments alluded to the enormous potential of the development to revitalise the area – we will do everything possible to make sure the reality lives up to the potential of our plan.

“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 during 2020.”