A multi-million pound student apartment complex which is now one of Derby’s tallest buildings has been completed by Clegg Construction.
The nine-storey high block, in Agard Street, stands at 26-metres tall and comprises of 244 bedrooms and communal areas.
The building, for developers Jensco (Derby) on behalf of the University of Derby, also houses a series of communal areas including kitchens and dining spaces.
There is provision for cycle parking outside, landscaping and pedestrian access points from Agard Street.
The accommodation is based next door to the University of Derby’s Law School, which is situated in the One Friar Gate Square building, also built by Clegg Construction.
As part of a Section 106 agreement, Clegg Construction fulfilled various planning obligations to support the local area.
These included: 120 apprentices either visiting or working on the site through links with Derby Skillbuild and CT Skills, supporting the local supply chain with approximately £450,000 spent within one mile of the build, 16 students from the University of Derby visited the site and were given a floor-by-floor tour; Clegg Construction staff visited the University of Derby to deliver a lecture and 96 per cent of waste was recycled. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service were also allowed supervised access to the site for a series of training exercises.
Tram tracks and cobbles dating back to the 1800s have also been reinstated in Short Street, next to the building, after being carefully removed.
Photographs, site plans, survey data, a detailed report and measurements of the tram tracks and cobbles were used to reinstall them towards the end of the build in order to preserve part of Derby’s heritage.
The 45-metre section of horse-powered tramlines ran along Short Street, an old street which once connected Agard Street and Friar Gate and was associated with the 1881 Friar Gate tram depot which operated across Derby.
Simon Blackburn, Managing Director of Clegg Construction, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with two landmark buildings in Derby, One Friar Gate Square and the student flats complex next door.
“We are also pleased to have been able to support the local area through the Section 106 agreement and carry out the important work of preserving a piece of Derby’s history by reinstalling the tram tracks and cobbles.”
Nigel Bobroff, Chief Executive of Jensco, said “Clegg Construction have done a fantastic job in delivering our latest development for the University of Derby, both on time and on budget. It has been a pleasure to work with them again.”
The Leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Chris Poulter said: “Working with Clegg Construction has presented an excellent opportunity for our local residents to access quality training, work experience and apprenticeship roles and they have gained skills that will help them to be able to compete successfully in the labour market and secure jobs.”
Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I’m delighted with how we have been able to involve young people on the project through Derby Skillbuild and CT Skills. Developing skills is crucial for the development of the city and I would like to see much more of this kind of arrangement in the future.”
