Grade II listed Allestree Hall has been acquired by property developer Staton Young with plans to transform it into a wedding venue.
A key condition of sale was for the preferred bidder to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the historic property, and to maintain access to public toilets at Allestree Park.
Built in the early 1800s on land once owned by the Mundy family of Markeaton Hall, Allestree Hall was commissioned by Bache Thornhill and designed by architect James Wyatt.
By disposing of the building through a long lease, the council has paved the way for its renovation, safeguarding its future and preventing it from falling into further disrepair. A number of outbuildings were included in the sale.
Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said: “After years of searching for the right buyer, we’re thrilled to have found a Derby-based preferred bidder with experience of revitalising historic properties. Allestree Hall, a building rich in history and potential, is poised for a new chapter.
“Disposing of the long-lease interest generates much-needed income for the Council and an opportunity for the new owner to breathe new life into the building. With careful restoration, this stunning country house can reclaim its former glory.”
Staton Young has a proven track record in restoring and repurposing historic buildings, including Northgate House – the landmark former HMRC building in the city centre. Their portfolio also includes numerous serviced offices and modern co-working spaces across the Midlands.
The company intends to apply for planning permission to re-purpose the Hall as a wedding venue. This would complement their recent acquisition of Horsley Lodge Golf Club, a Derbyshire complex which includes a golf course, country hotels and wedding venues.
Marc Brough, managing director at Staton Young, said: “Allestree Hall presents us with a great opportunity to restore a piece of Derby’s history. We’ve got some exciting plans and can’t wait to bring this beautiful building back to life and create a stunning wedding venue.”
Staton Young will work in partnership with the Council and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to make sure future use of the hall fits in with the ongoing community rewilding project at Allestree Park.
