New affordable housing units in the centre of Derby have been completed thanks to an innovative partnership and Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) investment.
The properties have been built on the site of three long-term problematic empty properties that were acquired compulsorily by Derby City Council in 2010.
The original properties, in Leopold Street, had been poorly managed for several years prior to becoming empty and the subject of vandalism, trespass and squatting, as well as repeated anti-social and criminal activities. All attempts to encourage an improvement from those in control of the premises proved unsuccessful and the city council determined that a change in ownership was the only solution. The houses were therefore included in a compulsory purchase order. Objections were submitted to the order but following a high-profile public inquiry, the Secretary of State agreed with the council and confirmed the order.
The lengthy public inquiry process, however, resulted in further deterioration. On taking possession of the buildings, large areas of the roofs were open to the elements and there were considerable pigeon problems. Several thousand syringes and considerable accumulations, including animal and human waste, had to be removed and many structural elements had been damaged or stolen. The deterioration and vandalism of the originally very poor buildings were such that they were beyond economic refurbishment. Demolition and redevelopment of the site became the most appropriate course of action.
The buildings were transferred to Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) on a long-term lease basis and by May 2011, the existing properties had been demolished. Construction was completed by the contractor, Tanbry, in March 2012 and the splendid new houses have now been handed over to NCHA in readiness for occupation.
Comprising three units, each with four bedrooms and a seven-person capacity, the properties will provide much needed affordable housing for large families in the city.
Allan Fisher, Assistant Director of Development & New Business at NCHA, said: "The Leopold Street development is part of Nottingham Community Housing Association’s ongoing commitment to Derby, and the aim of bringing properties and sites with redundant units back into use as much needed affordable housing. We are pleased to contribute towards the regeneration programmes taking place within the city."
(CD)
Construction News
04/04/2012
Council And HCA Transform Derelict Homes

10/07/2025
Vistry Group has agreed two major deals with housing provider Abri to enable the delivery of almost 200 affordable homes across Hampshire, marking a significant step forward in addressing local housing needs.
In Funtley, near Fareham, Vistry has completed a simultaneous land acquisition and forward

10/07/2025
Caddick Construction has officially completed its first Midlands project with the handover of Mansion House, a six-storey residential development comprising 58 new apartments, to joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People.
Located on the 43-acre Port Loop island alongside Birmingham

10/07/2025
Lovell has broken ground on a new residential development in Port Sunlight, set to transform a long-vacant brownfield industrial site into a thriving community of 115 high-quality homes.
Located on Dock Road North, the development supports the local authority’s strategy to unlock underused land for

10/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction's Wales division has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school in Clydach Vale, designed to be net zero carbon in operation.
Commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, the £37 million school will provide Engl

10/07/2025
HG Construction has announced a £1.2 million investment in Dumarey Green Power's 'Revolution Battery' technology, following successful trials earlier this year aimed at decarbonising crane and hoist operations across its UK sites.
The investment marks a significant step in HG Construction's drive t

10/07/2025
M Group has completed a major improvement project at Queenstown Road Station in south-west London, delivering long-awaited upgrades including a new rear entrance designed to ease access for daily commuters.
Undertaken on behalf of developer Taylor Wimpey, the project involved significant engineerin

10/07/2025
Helical has appointed McLaren Construction as the main contractor for the £90 million transformation of Brettenham House, an iconic Art Deco building on London's north bank, into a state-of-the-art sustainable office and retail hub.
Originally built in 1932 and located within the Savoy Conservation

10/07/2025
Tower Hamlets Council has completed 30 road resurfacing schemes across the borough over the past year, thanks to targeted investment and funding support from central government.
The improvements aim to deliver a more resilient road network, reduce disruption, and lower carbon emissions.
Part-fund

10/07/2025
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi to deliver the major transformation of Fresh Wharf, a prominent 1980s building located on the banks of the River Thames, into a cutting-edge, sustainability-driven workplace.
Situated just minutes from Tower Bridge, the 11-storey structure will be transformed to of

10/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has celebrated a key milestone at Abbeywood Community School with a steel signing ceremony marking the final structural installation of the school's new extension – completed ahead of schedule.
Held on 27 June, the event brought together representatives from South Glouce