Hopes disused historical Derby building could be restored

The building is privately owned

A civic society hopes a disused historical building in Derby could be restored after its owners unveiled plans to develop the site.

The house - 27 Queen Street - dates back hundreds of years and was home to some notable residents.

But it has fallen into disrepair and has been occupied by squatters in recent years, Derby Civic Society said.

The owners, a family trust, are developing a plan to ensure the building "will be protected".

A blue plaque commemorates former notable residents

The house was previously occupied by John Flamsteed who, the civic society said, created Greenwich Mean Time inside the building.

It was also the headquarters of Smith Clocks until 1998.

The building is listed locally, and the civic society recently made a third application to Historic England to grant the site the same status nationally.

Now, the owners, a family trust from London, say they have entered a joint venture with an unnamed Derby-based property company to consider the future of the site, but no further details have been revealed.

Agents acting on the trust's behalf - Rigby & Co - said the developers were "in early discussions with Derby City Council to scope out what might be permissible for the site".

The civic society hopes the site will keep "its significant history"

Ashley Waterhouse, chairman of the civic society, said securing listed building status would help with any future development of the property.

"I think it's good that the family are looking to pass it over to a property developer, and I would be more than happy to work with new owners to discuss plans of what we think should be done to make sure the site keeps its significant history," he said.

"The property needs securing, redeveloping, and hopefully we can create something that can be liveable but can also be an attraction."

Russell Rigby, from Rigby & Co, said the building "should be protected, and it will be protected".

He added: "I think the owners of this site are bringing forward something that I feel people will welcome and be proud of."

The application for the listing is currently being considered by the Historic England designations team.