Becketwell regeneration receives major boost
The regeneration of Derby’s Becketwell area is set to take another leap forward after the Central United Reformed Church was granted planning permission to change a former office building into a place of worship.
With the help of developer St James Securities, the church has secured permission to tranform Stuart House on Green Lane, enabling it to relocate from its current site on the corner of Becketwell Lane and Victoria Street.
The church’s current home was recently purchased by Derby City Council as part of its £200 million redevelopment plans.
An outline planning application for the Becketwell regeneration scheme was submitted at the end of August, and construction work on the first phase of development is expected to begin next year.
Phase one will see a new public square built at the current Central United Reformed Church site. 342 build to rent apartments will also be created on the site of the former Debenhams store on Victoria Street.
John Brebner, regeneration project leader at Central United Reformed Church, said: “We are keen to support the much-needed regeneration of this part of the city centre and are satisfied that our relocation will enable us to meet the needs of our congregation and the very important community services it offers.
“Thanks go out to St James Securities for their support in helping us to secure planning permission for change of use to our new home at Stuart House.”
Paul Morris, director of St James Securities, added: “The granting of planning permission for change of use at Stuart House is a very important step forward which will allow us to move forward with our plans to revitalise the Becketwell area.
“Our thanks go out to the United Reformed Church for their dedication and hard work which has resulted in their move to fantastic new premises, much better suited to the Church’s community focussed activities fit for the 21st Century. We hope the church will continue to prosper in its new home and will continue to serve the community as it has for many years.”
Stakeholders will be given the chance to comment on the scheme before a planning decision is made.
