Derby's historic 'pepper pots' building brought back to life

The building has been preserved as part of a wider regeneration project

A historic building once threatened with demolition has been brought back to life.

Once part of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, the building - known locally as "the pepper pots" - has been turned into a restaurant.

The London Road site was first opened in 1891 by Queen Victoria and operated in some capacity until 2009.

Ashley Waterhouse, chairman of Derby Civic Society, said it was a "major asset for architectural design".

Ashley Waterhouse said he was glad the building had been preserved

The building has been preserved as part of a wider regeneration project in the city's Nightingale Quarter which includes more than 900 properties.

"The pepper pot towers are very significant to Derby - people know them, they're proud of them and it's a major landmark," Mr Waterhouse said.

"It's a fascinating building, a major celebration of architectural design for the city and I'm delighted it has been retained.

"It's a proud moment for Derby's heritage that the building has been secured."

The London Road building - pictured prior to its transformation - is well-known in the city

The surrounding hospital was demolished in 2015. The towers were on Derby City Council's list of "buildings of local importance" but not statutory listed.

Strong public support for the towers averted any real threat of demolition with nearly 4,400 people signing a petition urging the council to keep them in place.