Work has finally started on creating 800 new homes on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary - five years after the site was flattened.
After a number of false starts to develop the 18-acre plot in Derby city centre, developer Wavensmere Homes has begun work on the £150 million project known as the Nightingale Quarter.
Over the next five years, the developer aims to create a “green oasis” for its new residents, including cycle routes, an open air gym and fitness area, children’s play areas and planting throughout the site.
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The properties are being marketed by Haart estate agents and to date, more than 2,000 people have registered their interest in the first 125 two and three bedroom homes to be built.
The remaining 675 one bed properties are set to be opened for interest in the next few months.
The commencement of work follows the recent appointment of M Lambe Construction to carry out the groundwork at the site.
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud that work has begun on the site and we are able to show residents and businesses surrounding the site that we have been able to follow through on our promise to start the process in developing the land, which has stood as a brownfield site for so many years.
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“Appointing Haart as the estate agents and the contact for prospective buyers last year, and then M Lambe Construction as the groundworkers has been two milestone contracts to secure, especially as they are now both based in Derby.
“It has also meant that hundreds of jobs have been created in the area for these plans to become a reality and support the local economy.
Mr Dickens said that Wavensmere will ensure that the infirmary’s iconic pepper pot buildings will be retained for community use, with residents having access to numerous facilities including a café, gym, exhibition space and meeting rooms.
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John Forkin, managing director at Marketing Derby, said: “The Nightingale Quarter is a key asset in the centre of Derby.
“Cleared city sites of this size are rare. Seeing work commence shows the ambitions of the city to create a new urban village and fits with the masterplan to deliver 1,900 new homes.
“Wavensmere has a successful track record with similar schemes in the West Midlands. Their investment in the Nightingale Quarter is a long-term commitment to Derby and will provide a desirable place to live in the city.”