Nightingale Quarter scheme picks up heritage awards brace

A new residential scheme in Derby created by Wavensmere Homes has picked up a brace of heritage awards.

The firm, which is behind the £175 million Nightingale Quarter development, created on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, has been awarded two George Rennie City Heritage Awards by Derby’s Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee.

The annual recognition is made in memory of the services of the former long-standing conservation officer for Derby, George Rennie.

All developments that take place within Derby’s Conservation Areas – or if they involve buildings on the Statutory or Local Lists – are eligible.

Entries are assessed on the design, selection and use of materials, the overall execution and standard of craftsmanship, the project’s harmony with the street or its surroundings, and whether it enhances a Conservation Area, or a Listed or Locally Listed building.

Wavensmere’s restoration of the two Pepperpot towers at the front of the 18.5-acre Nightingale Quarter scheme, in London Road, picked up the first award.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “The transformation of the Nightingale Quarter, and the restoration of the two Pepperpot towers, has breathed new life into our city centre while honouring Derby’s proud heritage.

“Wavensmere has carried out incredible work to turn what was once a derelict site into a thriving community hub which has been carefully restored, and I’m thrilled that they have been awarded two George Rennie City Heritage Awards.

“These awards reflect our mission of transforming Derby’s city centre while honouring its heritage. Together, with our partners, we are creating a city that we can all be proud of for our community.”

The second award was presented to Wavensmere for the relocation of the Grade II Listed Queen Victoria Statue and meticulous repairs to the original stone boundary wall to the site.

The works also included careful relocation of the granite base and bronze statue and intricate repairs and lime mortar repointing to the stone walls.

Ben Clarke, technical director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are honoured that our design focus and investment into the restoration of the original DRI relics has been recognised by Derby City Council’s Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee.

“The historic significance and beauty of the two pepperpots are the pièce de resistance of the Nightingale Quarter community, which is now home to around 1,500 people.

“Taking pride of place in front of The Pepperpot restaurant is the Queen Victoria statue, which was erected in 1906 and unveiled by King Edward VII, commemorating her official opening of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary in 1894.

“This is the only statue honouring her 63-year reign across the whole of Derbyshire and is a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Victorian era.”