Plans submitted to transform former office building into luxury apartments

JSA Architects has submitted plans to transform a former office building in Derby city centre into luxury apartments.

The practice has lodged plans with Derby City Council, on behalf of T&T Assets Group, to turn Forester House into a 73-apartment scheme.

The building, in Becket Street, was formerly home to a Job Centre Plus. It is also near to Vaillant Live, Derby’s newest events and conferencing venue.

The development will create 73 apartments across four floors, with a complete external redesign. The ground floor will also feature commercial space.

In a statement, JSA Architects said: “This project represents a significant step up in ambition from T&T Assets’ typical permitted development conversions.

“While maintaining their pragmatic approach to commercial viability, the scheme introduces architectural elements more commonly associated with high-end residential developments: vertical gardens, contemporary cladding systems, and premium ground-floor amenities including a concierge service, gym and private dining facilities.”

Forester House has stood empty since 2017. Previously, plans had been approved to turn the property into a hotel.

T&T Assets Group specialises in converting vacant commercial properties into residential developments, with a portfolio focused on town centre regeneration across the Midlands.

It has previously successfully carried out conversion projects in Derby, Nuneaton, Loughborough and Burton.

T&T Assets Group appointed JSA, which specialises in residential and commercial architecture, to lead the architectural transformation of Forester House.

In a statement, JSA said: “The architectural strategy for the scheme balances transformation with commercial reality.

“Rather than demolishing the concrete frame – both environmentally and financially prohibitive – JSA’s design wraps the existing structure in new materials that completely change its presence while improving performance.”

The development follows a two-phase planning approach. Residential conversion under permitted development rights has already received approval, allowing internal works to commence.

The separate application for external alterations, currently with the city council, covers the facade transformation.

Amy Burton, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby, said: “Having supported T&T Assets for a number of years in their investment plans in Derby, I’m delighted to see the redevelopment of Forester House moving forward.

“It will transform the top end of Becket Street, improving the existing street scene and adding to the city centre’s residential offer. The new residents will join a vibrant community, in an area of the city known locally as Becketwell.

“T&T Assets have become a valuable part of the Becketwell business and property community and their investment demonstrates a sign of more positive change still to come in the area. I look forward to working with them to see seeing their plans come to fruition.”

To find out more about JSA Architects click here.