A full planning application has been submitted to Derby City Council for the redevelopment of one of the final plots of vacant land within the Cathedral Quarter.
186 one and two-bedroom apartments are proposed by Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments for Cathedral One – a nine storey, u-shaped, red brick building.
The site was previously home to a police station, constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013. Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016, including the refurbishment of the Riverside Chambers office complex, some 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 will now be brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for an apartment scheme.
Franklin Ellis Architects has designed the scheme, which also includes 2,000 sq ft of mixed-use space at ground floor level to overlook Cathedral Green and Full Street. Uses earmarked for this space include a new café and facilities such as a gym, co-working zone and concierge point.
James Dickens, Managing Director of 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.
“The plans we have submitted for Cathedral One would 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 this planning application is considered.”
Matthew Branton, Managing Director of Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “Whilst designing Cathedral One, our team at Franklin Ellis were 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.
“We have spent many months refining the design and generating these comprehensive plans, which reflect feedback from the recent public consultation, together with the Council’s Design and Heritage Review Panels – creating Derby’s most sought-after apartment development.”
