A Derby law firm has agreed one of the biggest deals in its history after being selected as the preferred legal partner for a major housing scheme in the city centre.
Smith Partnership has been appointed to the Nightingale Quarter development, a £150 million scheme which will see around 800 homes built on the former site of Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, in London Road.
Work is expected to start next month with the first properties released for sale in January and the first completions in early summer next year.
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The deal between developers Wavensmere, which are based in Birmingham, and Smith Partnership will mean that legal work on sales should go through in just 28 days.
Donna Smith, sales director at Wavensmere, said: “It would have been easy to bring in Birmingham-based partners but we are trying to work with as many local businesses as possible and, as we are both Marketing Derby bondholders, Smith Partnership was a great fit.
“I was impressed by how many people knew the company in Derby. They will be working with us on launching the development and giving advice to clients from the start.”
Kevin McGrath, managing partner at Smith Partnership, said: “We are thrilled with this deal. When we decided to stay in the city centre with our new headquarters on Friar Gate, we were attempting to inspire other people to follow suit.
“So, helping people move into the Nightingale Quarter is entirely consistent with what we have been trying to do in supporting Derby city centre in being a 24-hour destination of choice for people to live, work and enjoy.
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“It is one of the deals we are most proud of because of what it means for the city.”
So far, more than 400 people have registered interest in homes at the Nightingale Quarter site, which is close to the railway station, the Intu Derby shopping centre and other facilities.
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In the first release of properties, prices will start from £125,000 for apartments and £185,000 for houses.
Donna said: “The Nightingale Quarter’s demographic will be 25 to 40-year-olds - professional people who live around the city.
“There will be high-quality accommodation with six acres of green open space. Health and wellbeing will be our focus with cycle routes, an open-air gym and fitness area, children’s play areas and tree planting throughout.”