Derby landmark welcomes first residents after revival

A Derby city centre heritage site is preparing to welcome its first residents as part of an £80 million regeneration scheme.

Wavensmere Homes has completed an initial tranche of 31 family homes at Friar Gate Goods Yard, a Grade II-listed former railway site that has stood derelict since 1967.

The Birmingham-headquartered developer began work on the 11.5-acre site in October 2024, with 276 new build homes under construction alongside the restoration of the historic Bonded Warehouse and Engine House buildings.

The wider scheme will deliver 227 two and three-bedroom houses, 49 apartments and more than 110,000sq ft of commercial space, including offices, health and fitness provision, a restaurant or café and a regional sales centre for Wavensmere Homes.

Alongside the restoration of the historic buildings, the development will create new public spaces, pocket parks and cycling links, while the EPC A-rated homes will incorporate air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging points.

Aerial view of the development

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Regenerating Friar Gate Goods Yard after nearly six decades of dereliction, urban decay and extensive fire damage, holds great symbolic importance in Derby’s ongoing renaissance.  

“We have already spent £30 million on site works and construction to be at the major milestone we’ve reached today – welcoming the first new residents. 

“This is in addition to purchasing the land and funding the extensive design and planning process.

“As you approach Derby city centre, Friar Gate is a huge historic landmark and we are excited to see the ripple effect our investment could bring about in the wider area. 

“The fine attention to detail and our emphasis on quality placemaking will see this £80 million project become a nationally important trophy asset for the city.”

The first homes are accessed from Uttoxeter New Road, with 180 houses already sold off-plan. 

Prices for the next available plots start from £280,000, with completions scheduled for December 2027.

The full restoration and construction programme is expected to complete by the end of 2028.

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