Milestone reached on first phase of Becketwell regeneration scheme

A milestone has been reached on construction work for the first phase of the £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby.The steelwork is now in place for an 11-storey apartment block being built on the site of the former Debenhams building on Victoria Street.Construction of the 259, one- and two-bedroom build-to-rent apartments began almost four months ago and contractors GMI Construction remain on track for completion by early 2023.The apartments form phase one of the redevelopment of the Becketwell area and will be forward funded, acquired and operated by Grainger.Phase one will also involve the construction of a new public square at the former site of the Central United Reformed Church, work on which is set to commence in September 2022.Demolition of the former Debenhams store and Central United Reformed Church and properties on Victoria Street was completed in May 2021, with construction work commencing later that month.Hodgkinson Builders have recently been appointed to construct the brickwork for the landmark project.Planning permission was granted last month to bring forward phase two of the scheme, which will feature a 3,500-capacity performance venue on the site of Laurie House offices and the former Pink Coconut nightclub, which will be operated by ASM Global.Future planned phases of the scheme include grade A offices and commercial space, a hotel, and a multi-storey car park.It is anticipated that more than 2,000 jobs will be created by the regeneration of the area.