Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for change of use of The Mile pub in Derby city centre into student accommodation.
Situated within the Friar Gate Conservation area of Derby and standing proud on one of the main routes into city centre, the former pub had been popular over the years as part of the infamous ‘Derby Mile’ pub crawl. This began at Markeaton Island, continued down Ashbourne Road to Friar Gate and then onto the city centre for anyone left standing. ‘Crawlers’ would take on the challenge of having a drink, usually a pint, in each of the pubs.
The Mile pub used to be owned by Marston’s Brewery until it was bought out privately. The pub has had a few different names above its door, from The Thirsty Scholar, The Wheel Inn, The Old Wheel Inn, and The Garrick back in the 1970’s.
Over the years, with increased competition plus changing tastes and social attitudes, the pub seemed to lose its curb appeal, and as customers coming in for a drink dried up so did the money.
As such the current owners looked to find another use for the building. As the upper floors of the pub had already been converted into residential accommodation, it seemed the preferred option was to convert the ground floor into residential too, given the area comprises a mix of commercial, student living and shops and being in such close proximity to the city centre.
Having worked with the client previously on another residential scheme, the client returned to Planning & Design Practice to help them visualize a scheme and layout design which would preserve the character and history of the pub as well as the street scene, and for Planning & Design Practice to help them get the best chance of an approval in planning terms.
The final scheme includes a two-storey rear extension, a courtyard to the rear for an amenity space for the residents and a cycle store.
