A contractor has completed work to demolish Derby’s old Debenhams store to make way for a £200 million regeneration project.
Cawarden, which is based at Ockbrook, near Derby, has handed back the city centre site to owners Derby City Council.
The site is earmarked for the £200 million Becketwell scheme, which will see hundreds of new apartments built, along with commercial space, new public areas and a 3,500-capacity performance venue.
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Cawarden was the principal contractor for the demolition of the four-storey former Debenhams building.
Managing director William Crooks said: “The project handover milestone is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved, not least during these challenging times.
“We are delighted to have been able to play a part in helping to bring the regeneration plans to life for the Becketwell area.
“We hope to have the opportunity to undertake many more projects like this on home soil in the future.
“This will help boost the regional economy by creating jobs for local people, tackling rising unemployment and addressing the skills shortage – ensuring construction and regeneration projects leave a positive lasting legacy.”
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Now that demolition work is complete, another local company, Rodgers Leask, will shortly start ground investigation work, ahead of the first phase of the scheme – which involves creating new apartments – getting underway.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader at Derby City Council, said: “The completion of the demolition is a significant achievement for the Becketwell site.
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“The area has been in need of regeneration for decades and this is a fantastic step forward in our plans to transform Derby’s city centre.”
Last month, plans for the 3,500-capacity performance venue were unveiled by the city council.
Overall, the regeneration plans are expected to bring 250,000 new visitors to the city and will create around 200 new jobs.