First homes at former Derby depot nearing completion

The first of 276 homes set to be completed as part of a £75m mixed-use regeneration scheme are nearing completion, developers say.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward checked in on progress at Wavensmere Homes’ Friar Gate Goods Yard scheme this week, set to include the restoration of two grade two-listed buildings, which will become 110,000 sq ft of commercial space once works have been completed.

The former Great Northern Railway goods depot was built in the 1870’s, but fell into disuse after the line was close in the 1960’s.

Developers say the first 31 houses on the scheme will be available for occupation by the spring, with the full redevelopment, restoration and construction programme anticipated to complete by the end of 2028.

Enabling works for the vast 19th century bonded warehouse and engine house have included grit blasting, sandblasting and the restoration of over 100 original structural steels by Wavensmere’s specialist contractor.

A new spine road for the scheme has now been created, with site-wide road and sewer infrastructure works also undertaken.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The restoration of Derby’s Friar Gate Goods Yard is special for many reasons. 276 new homes are being created on the brownfield land that surrounds the Grade II Listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House. The complex restoration of these two historic buildings is being made possible by the value generated by the much-needed new homes.

“I have been calling for more homes to be built on brownfield land, which Wavensmere Homes has been making a reality in Derby for several years. It’ll be a milestone for the city to celebrate when the first residents move into Friar Gate Goods Yard.”

An elevated area next to to Friar Gate Bridge will become a new multi-purpose public space, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades, Wavensmere says. New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access are being created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also to be extended.

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, added: “Regeneration projects as complex as this require considerable up-front investment. We will have spent well over £30m on site works at Friar Gate Goods Yard before the first homes are ready to move into this summer. This is in addition to the money we spent purchasing the land and throughout the extensive design and planning process.

“Having lain derelict for well over 50 years, there was never any doubt that the redevelopment of Friar Gate Goods Yard was going to be a labour of love. Many developers had looked at the viability of this project and passed on it, due to the financial undertaking and complexities of the restoration of the listed buildings. But the over-engineering and architectural beauty of these two Victorian assets will create the most inspiring and unique spaces, which is why we are already receiving so many occupier enquiries.”