Construction underway on Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby

Work is underway on the first phase of the £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, with the steelwork now in place for a new 11 storey apartment block on the site of the former Debenham’s building.

Construction of the 259 one and two-bedroom Build to Rent apartments began four months ago and contractors GMI Construction expect to complete the project by early 2023.

The apartments form phase one of the redevelopment of the Becketwell area, alongside the construction of a new public square at the former site of the Central United Reformed Church.

Planning permission was granted last month to bring forward phase two of the scheme, which will feature a new 3,500-capacity performance venue on the site of Laurie House offices and the former Pink Coconut nightclub, which will be operated by ASM Global.

Derby City Council anticipate that more than 2,000 jobs will be created by the regeneration of the area, and they hope that the scheme will provide confidence for further new investment in the surrounding area of the city centre.

Dan Murray, Construction Director at St James Securities, said: ‘We’re delighted to see the progress of construction work on this landmark regeneration scheme, which will breathe new life into an area which has been challenged for many years and give hundreds of people the chance to live in high-quality homes in the city centre.

‘Alongside the apartments and public square that will make up phase one, there will be wider development, including our new performance venue, which will be developed by St James Securities and owned by Derby City Council, a hotel, new public space, and offices.

‘We are proud to be delivering a scheme that will revitalise this long-neglected area of the city and help to improve the overall vibrancy and attraction of the city centre.’

Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation and Strategic Planning & Transport, Cllr Steve Hassall, added: ‘The Becketwell development is one of the cornerstones of our economic recovery plan as we seek to reinvigorate the city centre. Watching the progress being made on the site is really very exciting, not only in terms of seeing this project being delivered but for the much-needed improvement and regeneration of what was a neglected area of the city.

‘We’re delighted with the teams we have in place to deliver the project with St James Securities. We believe the project is in safe hands with GMI Construction, Grainger plc, ASM Global and local contractor Hodgkinson Builders.’

Photo supplied by Derby City Council