Bulldozers move in to flatten student flats
IT IS SET TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
DEMOLITION is currently under way on a Derby University student accommodation block.
Sir Peter Hilton Court, off Agard Street, is set to make way for a new business school.
According to an application received by Derby City Council on March 15, the university hopes to build an academic building in its place. The new 9,694 square metres of academic space would house social, learning and workspaces for both students and staff.
The University of Derby says the new development could also be the home for the school of law and social sciences, where it plans significant growth in its student numbers. If approved, the building will also include a 300-seat theatre lecture room, a simulation trading room, a virtual reality suite, PC labs, and a cafe on the ground floor.
The plans submitted by architects Stride Treglown show that the school’s exterior will be constructed of glass-reinforced concrete or pre-cast red exoskeleton.
The proposal is still awaiting a decision, but the project has a number of influential backers.
In a letter of support, Marketing Derby said: “The university’s proposal for a new Busines School enhances the city’s regeneration prospects and will bring significant economic benefits to a currently underused part of the city.
“The proposed development will contribute to the objectives of the Derby Recovery Plan and fits with the city’s core recovery themes; maintain confidence in the city, decarbonisation and diversification of the economy.
“The building itself will be a landmark building for both the university and the city. Aligning with the university’s sustainability strategies and the city’s decarbonisation strategy, the building is aspiring to be net-zero carbon in construction and operation.
“Locally, it will help boost and maintain the confidence of the business community.”
The plans have been further backed by the Cathedral Quarter.
Business Improvement District manager, Brad Worley, added: “We welcome the development and believe that having part of the university on the city’s doorstep will only help bring vibrancy to our area.”
More information can be found on the council’s website, under reference 22/00421/FULPSI.