Civil engineering firm to relocate HQ to new business park

A civil engineering firm is set to become the first occupier of a new business park being created in Derby.

Whitehouse Construction and Ivygrove Developments have entered into a design and build agreement for a bespoke headquarters at Looms Business Park, Spondon.

Whitehouse Construction, a King’s Award-winning civil engineering firm founded in 1977, will relocate its operations to a newly designed 25,000 sq ft headquarters at the seven-acre Looms site.

The purpose-built facility will consolidate Whitehouse’s business streams (civil engineering, flood door manufacture and property flood resilience testing) under one roof, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a modern workspace for its growing team.

Whitehouse’s chair, Jo Ewart-Sear, said: “Our business has been rooted in Derbyshire for close to 50 years.

“Partnering with Ivygrove to develop a space that reflects our heritage and supports our future growth is a natural step.

“Looms Business Park offers unrivalled connectivity and a purposeful environment for our people, equipment and clients to thrive.”

The new headquarters will occupy nearly two acres and include 8,000 sq ft of office space, a large compound for vehicles and plant, and parking for over 50 cars.

A planning application is scheduled for submission to Derby City Council this month, with construction expected to begin following approval.

Phase 2 of the Looms development will comprise 80,000 sq ft of small and medium-sized industrial units, available to let or for sale.

Ivygrove reports strong early interest, with initial units anticipated to be ready by late 2026.

Whitehouse has built a reputation for delivering key infrastructure across the Midlands, serving clients such as National Grid, Severn Trent, and the Environment Agency.

The company was recently honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its proprietary floor door design and manufacture.

Ivygrove Developments and Whitehouse Construction share a longstanding professional relationship, and the launch of the Looms facility marks a continuation of that collaboration.

John Blount, chairman of Ivygrove Developments, said: “Whitehouse is an excellent company to work with.

“We’re proud to be working together once again on such a significant project.”

Stephen Salloway, of Salloway Property Consultants, the agent for Looms Business Park, said: “Looms Business Park offers exceptional access to the UK’s major road network via the A52, A50, and M1 – making it one of the most logistically advantageous sites in Derby.”

Nick Blount, director at Ivygrove, said: “This is just the beginning. We’re excited to bring Looms Business Park to life and support industrial growth across the city.”