Plans submitted for landmark city centre office building

Developer St James Securities has submitted a planning application to Derby City Council for a major Grade A office building in the heart of the city centre.

The application for the landmark eight-storey building at 3 Springwell Square marks another major milestone in Derby’s £200 million Becketwell regeneration scheme.

The proposed low-carbon development would deliver 106,544 sq ft of premium, flexible workspace on the former Duckworth Square site, creating a flagship office building designed to meet the needs of modern businesses.

The plans also include significant improvements to the public realm, with an extension to Springwell Square and a new pocket park proposed in Macklin Street.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “Becketwell is one of our flagship regeneration projects, bringing work, leisure and living back to our high streets.

“The submission of this planning application for 3 Springwell Square is another milestone in the development.”

Paul Morris, development director of St James Securities, said: “The submission of the planning application for 3 Springwell Square marks another important milestone in the continued regeneration of Becketwell and the transformation of Derby city centre.”

Bob Betts, executive chairman at Marketing Derby, said: “The submission of this planning application is extremely positive news for our city.

“Quality developments like this will attract more workers into the heart of the city centre, bringing life and vibrancy – supporting the vision to make Derby a more attractive place to live, work and visit.”

“We fully support this application – and look forward to seeing it progress through the planning system and becoming a reality.”

3 Springwell Square, which is being developed by St James Securities and Peveril Securities for Derby City Council, is one of two locations shortlisted for the headquarters of Great British Railways, following Derby’s selection as the national home of the new organisation.

Once complete and fully operational, the building could support up to 1,000 jobs, bringing thousands of people into Derby city centre every week, increasing footfall and providing a significant boost to local shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and other businesses.

The planning application follows a public consultation which attracted hundreds of residents, members of the business community and other stakeholders to a virtual exhibition, with feedback demonstrating strong support for the proposals.

Visitors were able to examine the plans in detail and download information about the development before sharing their views through an online feedback form.

A series of live Q&A sessions also took place, with representatives from St James Securities and the wider project team answering questions raised through responses to the exhibition.

Paul added: “The proposals have been shaped by the valuable feedback received during the public consultation, and we’re pleased to bring forward plans for a landmark office building that will deliver high-quality, sustainable workspace alongside attractive new public spaces in the heart of the city.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with Derby City Council, Peveril Securities and local stakeholders as the application progresses through the planning process and takes another step towards becoming a reality.”

Nadine added: “The support we’ve seen for Springwell Square in recent consultations shows how strongly residents and businesses believe in our vision for the site.

“It is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working between the Council, St James Securities, Peveril Securities and our wider city stakeholders.

“The addition of high-quality office space will bring hundreds of new jobs and significant economic benefits to the city centre.

“More people will travel on our public transport, eat in our restaurants and support our amazing local businesses.”

Subject to approvals, construction is anticipated to start in summer 2027, with completion targeted for late spring 2029.

The proposed development builds on the success of earlier phases of Becketwell, including the Condor build-to-rent apartments, Springwell Square and Vaillant Live, Derby’s landmark events venue.

Paul gave an insight into the Becketwell regeneration scheme at Marketing Derby’s recently held Derby Property Summit.

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