Work has started demolition buildings to make way for Derby’s new 3,500 capacity performance venue.
Derby-based demolition experts Cawarden have been brought in to start demolition work on the site of the former Pink Coconut nightclub, NCP car park, Padley House, and Dubrek Studios.
Demolition of the former Debenhams store, which occupies part of the Becketwell site, was completed by Cawarden in the summer of 2020, followed by the former Central United Reformed Church and properties on Victoria Street in March 2021.
The interior of the Pink Coconut is currently being stripped out in the hope that as much as 95 per cent of the fixtures and fittings will be recycled.
Scaffolding will go up soon, before the robotic demolition of the first three stories, which will be taken down floor by floor.
Cawarden’s specialist high-reach demolition machine will arrive on site in June or July to start the structural demolition of the buildings.
Asbestos removal works are also taking place, and noise, dust and vibration monitoring and environmental controls will be in place to minimise the impact on nearby properties and businesses.
The last stage of clearance will be the erection of perimeter hoardings this autumn, clearing the way for the most significant development project in Derby city centre since the Westfield Centre in 2007.
Work on phase one of the scheme is currently underway, with the construction of 259 one and two-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Debenhams store on Victoria Street.
The centrepiece of the development will be a public square, which will also be delivered as part of the first phase, with completion scheduled for next spring.
The performance venue, which will be delivered as part of phase two of the scheme, will be owned by Derby City Council and managed by ASM Global.
It will be used for concerts, stand-up comedy, family shows, musical theatre, conferences, and exhibitions and the main auditorium will have a maximum capacity of 3,500, including a fully seated layout for up to 2,100.
It is expected to create 200 new local jobs, generate more than £10 million per year for the area and provide the impetus to kick-start further investment in surrounding areas of the city centre.
Construction on the performance venue is set to start next January, with completion and handover in late 2024.
Dan Murray, construction director at developer St James Securities, said: “It’s great to see work start on phase two of the Becketwell regeneration scheme, which is set to create an exciting and vibrant city centre, where people will want to live, work and enjoy their leisure time.
“Cawarden is a well-known local specialist contractor whose team are familiar with the site, having already demolished the former Debenhams store and Central United Reformed Church.
“Our programme currently remains on track, with construction work on the performance venue set to commence in January 2023, with completion and handover to ASM Global in late 2024.
William Crooks, managing director of Cawarden, said: “We have already successfully completed the demolition of the former Debenhams building and the church next door and look forward to delivering another key milestone in preparing the site for the much-needed Becketwell regeneration scheme.
“Given the proximity to other structures and live areas, we will be putting robust environmental controls and strict monitoring measures into place. This includes the use of our high-reach dust suppression system that captures dust at source, preventing any significant nuisance.
“As a local specialist contractor, we’re proud to be helping to bring these exciting regeneration plans for our home city to life and playing a part in the Becketwell regeneration scheme.”
Future planned phases of the scheme include the potential for new offices and commercial space, a hotel and a multi-storey car park and purpose-built student residential.
