Public consultation launched on new Becketwell office building

The developer behind the £200 million Becketwell regeneration scheme has launched a public consultation on plans for a major new office building in the heart of Derby city centre.

St James Securities is inviting views on proposals for the 106,544 sq ft headquarters office building, to be built on the former Duckworth Square site.

The building has been identified as one of two final shortlisted locations for the headquarters of Great British Railways, following Derby’s selection as the national home of the new organisation. A final decision on the location is expected shortly.

The consultation will run until Friday 11 September and will take the form of a virtual exhibition, which can be found here.

Visitors to the online exhibition will be able to learn more about the proposed development, explore the latest plans in detail and download further information.

They will also be invited to share their views through an online feedback form, helping to shape the planning application before it is submitted.

Oliver Quarmby, managing director of St James Securities, said: “We’re delighted to share our plans for 3 Springwell Square with residents, businesses and the wider public, and invite them to help shape this important next phase of the Becketwell regeneration.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver exceptional Grade A office space in the heart of Derby city centre, support investment, create jobs and further strengthen Becketwell as a place to live, work and do business.”

In addition to the online exhibition, two live virtual presentation and Q&A sessions will take place.

A session for businesses and members of the public will be held from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 13 August.

Representatives from St James Securities and the wider project team will present the proposals and answer questions raised through responses to the exhibition.

Anyone wishing to register should email hellonorth@quod.com.

The office proposals comprise an eight-storey, low carbon Grade A headquarters building designed to deliver premium, flexible workspace for modern businesses.

They also include an extension to Springwell Square and a new pocket park in Macklin Street.

Once complete and fully operational, the building could support up to 1,244 jobs, bringing thousands of people into Derby city centre each week and providing a significant boost to local shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, and other businesses.

Oliver added: “We’d encourage everyone to visit the virtual exhibition, explore the proposals and share their feedback.

“Their views will play an important role in informing our planning application and helping to ensure the development delivers lasting benefits for Derby.”

The proposed development will build on the success of the earlier phases of Becketwell, including the Condor build-to-rent apartments; Vaillant Live, Derby’s landmark events venue and Springwell Square.

Future phases could include a four-star hotel and additional office accommodation.

A planning application for 3 Springwell Square is set to be submitted in late September 2026 and will be accompanied by a range of technical documentation covering matters such as traffic generation and car parking, noise and air quality.

Subject to approvals, construction is anticipated to run from summer 2027 to spring 2029, with completion targeted for Q1 2029.