Developer appoints agents for landmark city centre office scheme

Developer St James Securities has appointed agents to bring forward the next phase of its landmark development on the former Duckworth Square site in Derby city centre.

The proposed 3 Springwell Square development will deliver a major new Grade A office building of between 96,200 sq ft and 140,000 sq ft in the heart of the £200 million Becketwell scheme.

Office specialist Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, has been appointed alongside Michelle Mills, director at CBRE, to market the scheme as demand grows for high-quality city centre workspace in Derby.

Russell has been involved in the Becketwell regeneration scheme since its inception in 2018, working with St James Securities on both the £37 million Condor build-to-rent scheme and the £45.8 million Vaillant Live entertainment venue.

Michelle brings extensive experience across the East Midlands and national markets, with particular expertise in office, research and development, and life sciences space.

The appointments come at a pivotal point for Becketwell with increasing occupier interest in the proposed office scheme and growing momentum behind the proposal to locate the Great British Railways headquarters on the former Duckworth Square site.

Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities, said: “Becketwell is about creating a long-term business destination in the heart of Derby capable of attracting major organisations and supporting the continued regeneration of the city centre.

“We are seeing growing occupier interest in our new office scheme and want to ensure we are in the strongest possible position to convert that into commitments.

“Bringing Russell and Michelle on board ensures we have the right expertise in place to take the scheme forward and engage effectively with the occupier market.”

Becketwell has outline planning permission for a range of uses, including an HQ office building.

Enabling works are due to commence later this month, including survey work, demolition of existing structures, excavation and site preparation, and construction of a new perimeter retaining wall.

A planning application is expected later this year and, subject to approvals, construction is anticipated to run from summer 2027 to spring 2029, with completion targeted for Q1 2029.