Groundwork is set to begin at a new £150 million housing development in Derby city centre following the appointment of a civil engineering firm.
Birmingham-based M Lambe Construction has signed a multi-million pound deal with housing developer Wavensmere Homes to help deliver the Nightingale Quarter scheme, which will be built on the former site of the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.
Once complete, the development will feature around 800 homes on the 18-acre site.
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Expected to take five years to complete, the Nightingale Quarter will be a “green oasis” for residents, including cycle routes, an open air gym and fitness area, children’s play areas and planting throughout the site.
The infirmary’s iconic “pepper pot” buildings will be retained for community use, with residents having access to numerous facilities including a cafe, gym, exhibition space and meeting rooms.
The site has been awaiting redevelopment for a decade, with the hospital itself demolished in 2015.
Now, more than 100 groundworkers and civil engineers are poised to start work on the project.
Michael Lambe, director at M Lambe Construction, said: “The Nightingale Quarter is a very exciting development for Derby and we are excited at being appointed the groundworks and civil engineering partner by Wavensmere Homes.
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“Although this is the first scheme secured with the developer, we have long-standing relationships built on trust with their management team, having successfully delivered several projects for them while working for previous clients. It’s always gratifying to secure new work based on reputation.”
The new contract coincides with the imminent opening of a new regional office in Derby to support M Lambe Construction’s expansion in the East Midlands.
Mr Lambe said: “We’ve had for some time a large East Midlands-based site team to support our existing clients, but the opening of a permanent base in Derby is a clear signal of our long-term commitment to them.
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“It also offers them the chance to receive the highest standard of quality and health and safety on their sites in the East Midlands that they have received for over 30 years in the West Midlands.”
Matt Brighton, commercial director at Wavensmere Homes, said: “We have 800 homes that we will be delivering and building for families in Derby on a site which is of significant and historical value to the area.
“So, this deal is incredibly important to us and residents of this city. This has been a long time in the making and we cannot now wait to get started in creating the Nightingale Quarter.”