Work begins to redevelop derelict goods yard

The main warehouse and engine house will be turned into a commercial space

Work has begun to turn a historic goods yard on the edge of Derby city centre into homes and commercial space.

Friar Gate Goods Yard was built in the 1870s and has been derelict for more than 50 years.

Plans for the site include 276 newbuild homes and for the Grade II-listed Bonded Warehouse and Engine House to be turned into a space for new shops, restaurants, offices and a gym.

William Crooks, managing director at Cawarden, the demolition contractor for the site, said to see the plans finally coming to fruition was "fantastic".

The development is expected to be finished by the end of 2028

"People have always driven past and wondered if anything was ever going to be done with that building," Mr Crooks added.

"I know the neighbours are really happy the site is going to be cleared up."

The site was built to be the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals.

In World War Two, it was used as a store for the US Army to house ammunition and other supplies.

The new housing will be laid out in a series of boulevards referencing the route of the historic train lines that ran through there.

The warehouse has been derelict for over 50 years

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: "The fine attention to detail and investment we will inject into the reanimation of Friar Gate Goods Yard will see it become a nationally important trophy asset in Derby's ongoing renaissance.

"The first opportunity to reserve a home here will be in 2025, but we are collecting people's details on our website."

New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access will be created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also to be extended.

The redevelopment is expected to be finished by the end of 2028.