Historic properties in Derby's Cathedral Quarter are undergoing
major renovations thanks to Blueprint, the specialist regeneration
developer behind the mixed-use scheme Sadler Square.
Repairs are being made to the windows, stonework and render of
18 and 19 Sadler Gate and Simpson's House on St Mary's Gate to
preserve and restore the buildings.
Rotunda Construction, based in Kingston-on-Soar, Nottingham, are
carrying out the repairs on the listed buildings, which are located
in a conservation area of the city.
Gideon van Laun, of Rotunda, said: "Under the direction of
architects Bakewell and Partners and Derby City Council's
conservation team, our skilled craftspeople are using traditional
methods and techniques to repair sash windows, lead work, stone
work and lime rendering.
"We believe that Blueprint's investment and the work that we are
carrying out will make a significant contribution to the
streetscape, vibrancy and commercial success of Derby's Cathedral
Quarter for generations to come."
Blueprint is funding the majority of the cost of the works, but
a significant contribution is also coming from Derby City Council
and English Heritage.
Peter Connolly, development director at Blueprint, said: "Derby
has always been an important place for business, and we're
committed to investing in exciting new ventures like Sadler Square,
as well as the Derwent Centre, our popular business centre in the
city.
"The city's Cathedral Quarter is a great place with huge amounts
of history and character, and I'm pleased that with the help of the
Derby City Council and English Heritage Partnership Scheme Grant,
we are able to conserve and repair the buildings to their original
glory."
When complete, the Sadler Square development will comprise of
quality grade A office space and independent retail units and will
bring high quality jobs and commercial activity to support the
existing shops and businesses of the Cathedral Quarter. With
Blueprint's commitment to sustainability, the development is
designed to be rated BREEAM Excellent.
A public-private partnership, Blueprint is best known for major
urban regeneration projects such as No.1 Nottingham Science Park
and Phoenix Square digital media centre in Leicester, but it also
owns property across the East Midlands, much of it in the Derby
area.