Revised plans submitted for major city centre regeneration site

Concerns from local stakeholders have led to Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments submitting revised plans for the redevelopment of one of the final plots of vacant land within Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.

Some 195 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are now proposed for the Full Street site, within a redesigned finely detailed u-shaped nine-storey red brick building.

The move follows opposition from Derby Civic Society members, who expressed the “strongest possible objection” citing concerns that it would disrupt Derby’s historic skyline.

The revised plans address these concerns, says Wavensmere and Wilson Bowden, with a reduction in the height of the proposed development tabled to bring it within the confines of the extant office planning permission.

Other alterations include the top/ninth floor being redesigned with a “discreet” glazed curtain wall, set-back by 1.5m to create full roof terraces. The stepped roofline – and loss of four apartments alongside the riverside elevation – will enable the proposed development to blend in with the existing adjacent residential building, say developers.

The revised plans include studio apartments and two-bedroom duplex homes, along with fully-glazed cantilevered balconies to all plots overlooking Cathedral Green and the River Derwent.

The site was previously occupied by a police station, which was built in the 1960s and demolished in 2013. Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016. It includes the refurbishment of the Riverside Chambers office complex, delivery of 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green, and a Premier Inn hotel.

The remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but is instead being brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for an apartment scheme.

Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects has drawn up the revised plans. Some 2,000 sq ft of mixed-use space has been included at ground floor level. A range of uses are earmarked for this space, including a new café and residential facilities such as a gymnasium, co-working zone and concierge point.

James Dickens, mnaging director of Birmingham-based Wavensmere Homes, said: “This challenging brownfield site occupies one of the best locations within Derby city centre and benefits from rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent. It has been vacant for 10 years and the opportunity to create an exemplary development, reflective of the prime gateway location is exciting.

“Our proposed scheme will help towards Derby City Council’s target to provide a minimum of 11,000 new homes throughout the city over the coming decade. By appropriately densifying this derelict brownfield site within such a prized and popular city location, we will create highly energy-efficient homes for well over 250 people who will then spend their time and disposable income locally. We look forward to continuing to work with Derby City Council’s Officers, Councillors, and wider stakeholders, as our revised plans are considered.”

Matthew Branton, managing director of Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “Throughout the design process, our team has been conscious of the need for this proposed development to carefully close the wider urban block and positively front Full Street, Cathedral Green and the waterside, improving the safety, attractiveness, and animation of the adjacent public areas.

“We have taken a context led approach to a layered facade design, incorporating quality detailing and a refined material palette, whilst paying homage to the surrounding architecture and heritage assets, ensuring the Cathedral is always the star of the show. Since first submitting plans last October, we have spent considerable time refining the design and generating these revised plans, which address stakeholder feedback.”

Wavensmere Homes has become one of Derby’s most prominent residential developers. Other projects include the £175m Nightingale Quarter which has been transformed into a vibrant new community, including over 900 houses and apartments.

In 2023, the company also submitted plans for the 11.5-acre historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in central Derby, which could be transformed into 276 houses and apartments, and over 110,000sq ft of commercial space.