Clegg Construction has started work on a £3.1m project to transform a derelict city centre landmark.

The major refurbishment project in Derby will give a new lease of life to the city's former magistrates' court. The work is being carried out on behalf of Wilson Bowden Developments Ltd for Derby City Council.

The scheme, due for completion at the end of July next year, will also include the demolition of the adjoining former police station on the corner of Full Street and Derwent Street.

Simon Blackburn, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: "The building has been empty for ten years and parts of it are quite derelict so it is a major challenge to restore it to its former glory.

"We will be working closely with the conservation officer to retain listed features wherever possible and meet his expectations while remaining within our timeframe to complete the project.

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"We are looking forward to working with Wilson Bowden and the City Council to create something that will help regenerate the city centre and generate jobs in the area."

The imposing Grade II listed magistrates' court building dates from the 1930s and contains many original art-deco features such as panelling and sky lights in the main entrance hall. Above the hall were two floors of courts complete with custody area and cells with administration space provided on upper floors.

Clegg Construction will carry out external and internal refurbishment constructing a new lay out to provide serviced office accommodation, a café and a new home for the city's Local Studies Library.

The city council estimates 165 jobs will be generated over a three-year period by attracting new businesses into the building and that it will act as a catalyst for regeneration of the police station site.

The first phase of the work to be carried out by Clegg Construction will be the demolition of the old police station and the high level covered walkway that links to the magistrates’ court.

Clegg will then start work on the refurbishment of the former magistrates' court, striving to match new materials as closely as possible to its existing preserved features.

The finished new look building will include a business centre covering more than 15,000 sq. ft which will be subdivided into office suites ranging from 80 sq. ft to 1800 sq. ft which the council believes will meet the city's business needs and create job opportunities.

(CD/JP)