£1m of landscaped public space unveiled at Nightingale Quarter

Wavensmere Homes has unveiled £1 million of landscaped public space at its Nightingale Quarter development in Derby.

It has created a fully equipped children’s play area, outdoor gymnasium and a fallow deer sculpture as the final phase of the £175 million development concludes.

The life-size bronze deer by British wildlife sculptor Hamish Mackie was presented to the people of Derby as a gift from Wavensmere Homes, following a tour of Derby Museums’ Museum of Making with Elizabeth Fothergill, CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire.

James Dickens, managing director at Wavensmere Homes, said: “The Museum of Making has a fascinating section about the city’s origins.

“The name ‘Derby’ is believed to have Anglo-Saxon origins, deriving from the Old Norse word ‘djúr’ meaning deer, and the Old English word ‘býr’ denoting a settlement or village.

“Derby likely means deer settlement or village where deer roam.

“Learning this on a visit to the museum with Liz Fothergill, it felt fitting to commemorate the conclusion of Nightingale Quarter’s six-year construction programme with a gift to the city and its people.

“Hamish Mackie is one of the country’s most prominent wildlife sculptors, so to have his work as the centrepiece of the development is special.”

Wavensmere’s 18.5-acre development also benefits from a running track around the circumference, residents’ gym, spacious co-working facility, landscaped boulevard and a community allotment, which was created in conjunction with Down to Earth Derby, people living at Nightingale Quarter and local school children.

Elizabeth Fothergill, CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, said: “Since the opening of the Pepperpot restaurant early last year, I have become a regular visitor to Nightingale Quarter and am enjoying getting to know Wavensmere’s team.

“We share a strong passion for Derby, all wishing to see the city’s heritage and history celebrated, while delivering the developments and investment needed to drive the city forward.

“The installation of this stunning life-size deer is a proud moment, and it will raise awareness of Derby’s early beginnings.”

The redevelopment of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary has delivered 925 new homes, including 125 houses, and eight apartment buildings containing a total of 800 homes.

The restoration of two ‘pepperpot’ buildings – which were the surviving relics from the 19th Century Florence Nightingale-designed hospital – gives the development prominence along London Road, across from the entrance to the Derbion shopping centre.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “Seeing the Nightingale Quarter build complete is a significant milestone in the regeneration of Derby city centre.

“The outstanding outside amenity space that Wavensmere Homes has delivered provides something for all ages.

“From the running track, which is also ideal for walking or jogging with a buggy, to the fully equipped children’s playground, the outdoor gym, community allotment, and the fallow deer sculpture, there is much to enjoy for all.

“I hope Hamish Mackie’s wonderful deer sculpture becomes a must-see for those living across the city – and visitors too.”

The final phase of Nightingale Quarter is the five-storey Walton House building.

It comprises 103 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent, which will be ready for residents to move into this month.