Architects reflect on decades of preserving a piece of Derby

Matthew Montague Architects has been reflecting on four decades of working with The Liversage Trust as it carries out its latest major restoration project.

Work is continuing on the major restoration of the trust’s historic almshouses in London Road – a project which is being overseen by the firm.

It is working with main contractor Allsopp Construction on the restoration of the charity’s Grade II listed almshouses, which were built in 1836.

The association between the trust and the Montague name stretches back more than four decades, initially through Montague Architects and then Matthew Montague Architects.

Over the years, the practices have been involved in the management, conservation and development of a number of buildings within the trust’s property portfolio.

Among them is the Nottingham Road Estate, now an important conservation area within the city.

Other projects have included the restoration and conversion of the former Liversage Arms into six apartments and the conversion of former offices on the Nottingham Road Estate to create a further eight homes.

Matthew Montague Architects was established by Derby architect Matthew Montague in 1998.

His father, Derek Montague, had founded Montague Architects in 1969 and Matthew worked at his father’s practice for 10 years before setting up his own business. The two practices merged in 2017.

More recently, the practice designed and over saw the conversion of a former workshop at 21 Alice Street into The Liversage Trust’s new headquarters.

Located within the Nottingham Road Conservation Area, the building was adapted and converted to provide offices, meeting rooms and a workshop for the trust’s maintenance team.

The current project presents a very different conservation challenge.

The almshouses are among The Liversage Trust’s most recognisable buildings.

The aim is to create larger, more practical homes for residents while carefully preserving the buildings’ historic character.

Matthew Montague Architects developed the plans and secured the necessary planning and heritage permissions, working through the complex conservation requirements.

Its involvement continues throughout construction, working closely with the trust, Allsopp Construction and conservation specialists as the condition of the original buildings becomes clearer.

Matthew said “I am delighted that we have maintained our relationship with the Liversage Trust over several decades.

“My father was a founder member of the Derby Civic Society and was steeped in the architectural history of the city.

“I have taken up that mantal and am delighted to be working on such a prestigious project.

“At the Almshouses the key to creating the most optimum living accommodation while conserving the original essence of the architectures was a prolonged pre-application process between myself, Historic England and Derby City Council conservation officer Chloe Oswald.

“We began this process in 2022. The resulting scheme has carefully retained original features such as concealing and preserving some original staircases and retaining one almshouse in its original form.

“Externally the buildings will remain generally unaltered, except for a series of repairs to the existing brickwork and stonework, all carried out by specialist restoration contractors.”