Derbion gets approval for 1,150-home Eagle Quarter

More than 1,000 homes will be built in Derby city centre after flagship plans to redevelop a former market building were given the green light.

Outline plans to demolish Eagle Market, which will make way for 1,150 houses and 33,000 sq ft of commercial space, were recommended for approval in December.

A decision notice has now been issued on the scheme, after a Section 106 agreement between shopping centre group Derbion and the city council was tied up last month.

The proposals will see the redevelopment of the former Eagle Market building into 674 homes, and the transformation of Bradshaw Way Retail Park to create 478 homes, including a new landmark 14-floor residential building.

Outline proposals for a redevelopment of Derby’s Eagle Market have been approved. Credit: Leonard Design/Derbion via Planning Portal

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion said the firm’s Eagle Quarter masterplan offered a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for to the revitalisation of Derby’s historic city centre.

“It is important to Derbion that we work closely with key local stakeholders such as Derby City Council to create a vibrant city centre and we have been so pleased with the progress so far. However, the Derbion Masterplan will supercharge these efforts acting as a catalyst for further growth and development in and around the city centre, providing long-term economic opportunities for Derby,” she said.

“Alongside supporting Derby’s housing needs, the plans will also support our retail, F&B, and leisure operators as we expect to see further investment by existing occupiers and increased interest by new brands eager to capitalise on the city centre’s growing residential population.”

Cale Street Investments bought the Derbion shopping and leisure complex – where a 40,000 sq ft deal was recently agreed with Primark – in 2021, the destination previously having been part of the intu empire. The business instructed Eurofund to plot a path for the development of areas around the complex soon after.

Blocks closer to low-level buildings will be smaller than the proposed gateway tower. Credit: planning documents

Approval for the project comes on the heels of emerging developments at Becketwell and Market Place, described Derby City Council leader, Cllr Nadine Peatfield, as an exciting time for the city.

“The green light for Derbion’s Masterplan marks a major step forward in our shared vision to transform Derby into a vibrant and welcoming place to live,” she said.

“By creating a substantial number of high-quality new homes, this project will play a vital role in supporting us to achieve our housing strategy while breathing new life into the Eagle Quarter.

“This is a very exciting time for our city centre, with Derbion’s Masterplan complementing other major transformations such as the redevelopments of the Becketwell area and Market Place. ”

On the professional team are planner Lichfields, Leonard Design Architects, Currie & Brown, Bidwells and Waterman.

The plans can be viewed on Derby’s planning portal, with the reference 25/01315/OUT.