Derby’s first BTR scheme to be named after Rolls-Royce’s famous engine

Derby’s first build to rent development in Derby is to be named after a Rolls Royce aircraft engine.

The scheme, which is based on the former Debenhams site on Victoria Street, has been named The Condor in recognition of the city’s engineering excellence, celebrating the aircraft engine which was built by Rolls-Royce in Derby in 1918.

The Rolls-Royce Condor III was one of the first engines built by Rolls-Royce and with up to 675 horsepower, the engine was experimentally flown to explore the operations of a diesel engine in flight – an innovative development in aviation history.

With construction work well underway, The Condor will offer 259 high quality one and two-bedroom apartments.

The development will feature 2,962sq ft of internal ground floor amenity space for residents, including a shared resident’s lounge and co-working space. In addition to 2,185sq ft of external rooftop space with a terrace overlooking the new public square. In addition to a gym, secure car parking, bike store, and electric car charging points, residents will also benefit from complimentary superfast WiFi and the services of a dedicated onsite Resident Services Team.

Leesa Ingham, head of marketing at Grainger said: “When naming a Grainger development, we take great care and effort to research the local area and understand the heritage of the site.

“We identified several themes for our first development in Derby, but loved the idea of ‘The Condor’, given its historic links to the city. We were delighted when Rolls-Royce kindly agreed to letting us use The Condor for the name.

“We look forward to drawing further inspiration from the engine in our designs as we head towards completion and launch of The Condor in 2023.”

A spokesperson for Rolls-Royce said: “The famous Condor engine was state-of-the-art technology in its day, and we’re delighted that it is still a source of inspiration today.”

Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities, added: “We have always been committed to maintaining the heritage of the Becketwell area of Derby and are delighted that Grainger are recognising the city’s engineering excellence by naming the build to rent development after the iconic aero engine, which was built in Derby.”