Friargate Good Yard and Derby University - a perfect fit!
It’s been derelict for over 50 years. It’s an eyesore. But despite the attention of arsonists and vandals over the years it remains one of Derby’s most magnificent buildings.
The last major proposal for the site was back in 2011 when planning permission was granted for a (Tesco) supermarket with a large extension to the warehouse with parking underneath. Housing was proposed for the western end of the site bordering Great Northern Road. Following the economic downturn nothing came of these plans, like many before it, although the western end of the site has since been sold off to the Cathedral School. Plans for a new build school have been submitted and they are currently waiting on a decision.
The warehouse itself built in 1877 by Kirk and Randall, and listed as Grade II in 1986, is part of the wider Friargate Station development on the now defunct Great Northern Line through Derby.
Although most of the station buildings have long since been demolished, the arches structure which the station originally stood upon, and the bridge that took the line over Friargate itself, does still exist.
They are also listed and also under threat from neglect.
The main problem in developing the warehouse and the wider site, appears to be the sheer cost in converting the listed buildings and finding an on-going commercial use that justifies that cost. The supermarket idea was probably the closest in terms of a solution where the numbers stacked up, but alas the financial downturn and the rise of discount retailers seems to have ended any requirements for large supermarkets in the foreseeable future.
Those plans were interesting though in that they appear to have gained the approval from English Heritage for an extension of the warehouse, accepting that alterations and new openings in external walls would be needed to make this happen. English Heritage seemingly accepting that this would be a price worth paying to ensure that building itself was saved from ruin.
Equally, although not quite as enthusiastically received, there was some interesting proposals regarding the railway arches. The plan was to convert the arches closest to the bridge to some kind of leisure/bar/restaurant use but demolish the more decrepit arches and instead replace with a covered car park on the same footprint with the external walls built using reclaimed bricks. This seemed to me a sensible idea and one that could generate an income while at the same time preserving heritage.
Both ideas that I believe could be play some part in the sites future.
For many years access to the site was an issue. However, since the Uttoxeter Road/Curzon Street roundabout was built there has been a dedicated exit off the roundabout to the site, although access off Friargate has always been possible although more constrained.
Similar buildings in Manchester have been converted to offices and other railway heritage buildings in Derby, such as the Roundhouse on Pride Park have been converted to educational use. It is a shame that the Cathedral School couldn’t have utilised the warehouse for the new school. The floorplate of the proposed new build school is almost the same as that of the warehouse and would have been a perfect fit.
But what about Derby University establishing some of its activities on the site?
I understand it is an objective for the University to take more of a stake in the city centre, particularly with plans for the Business School. Land opposite Friargate Square which is currently home to the University Law department, on Ford Street has been recently purchased and images released of a potential Business School development on the site.
But wouldn’t the Friar Gate goods site make a fantastic campus for the University?
Seems like a perfect fit to me ...
The last major proposal for the site was back in 2011 when planning permission was granted for a (Tesco) supermarket with a large extension to the warehouse with parking underneath. Housing was proposed for the western end of the site bordering Great Northern Road. Following the economic downturn nothing came of these plans, like many before it, although the western end of the site has since been sold off to the Cathedral School. Plans for a new build school have been submitted and they are currently waiting on a decision.
The warehouse itself built in 1877 by Kirk and Randall, and listed as Grade II in 1986, is part of the wider Friargate Station development on the now defunct Great Northern Line through Derby.
 |
| The Grade II Bonded Warehouse from above - showing the serious state of disrepair |
Although most of the station buildings have long since been demolished, the arches structure which the station originally stood upon, and the bridge that took the line over Friargate itself, does still exist.
They are also listed and also under threat from neglect.
 |
| Friargate Bridge - Grade II listed, built by Andrew Handyside and Company 1878 - needs to find a use |
The main problem in developing the warehouse and the wider site, appears to be the sheer cost in converting the listed buildings and finding an on-going commercial use that justifies that cost. The supermarket idea was probably the closest in terms of a solution where the numbers stacked up, but alas the financial downturn and the rise of discount retailers seems to have ended any requirements for large supermarkets in the foreseeable future.
Those plans were interesting though in that they appear to have gained the approval from English Heritage for an extension of the warehouse, accepting that alterations and new openings in external walls would be needed to make this happen. English Heritage seemingly accepting that this would be a price worth paying to ensure that building itself was saved from ruin.
 |
| The supermarket proposal - showing the extension of new to old |
Equally, although not quite as enthusiastically received, there was some interesting proposals regarding the railway arches. The plan was to convert the arches closest to the bridge to some kind of leisure/bar/restaurant use but demolish the more decrepit arches and instead replace with a covered car park on the same footprint with the external walls built using reclaimed bricks. This seemed to me a sensible idea and one that could generate an income while at the same time preserving heritage.
Both ideas that I believe could be play some part in the sites future.
 |
| The Arches - inspiration for Flanagan and Allen |
For many years access to the site was an issue. However, since the Uttoxeter Road/Curzon Street roundabout was built there has been a dedicated exit off the roundabout to the site, although access off Friargate has always been possible although more constrained.
Similar buildings in Manchester have been converted to offices and other railway heritage buildings in Derby, such as the Roundhouse on Pride Park have been converted to educational use. It is a shame that the Cathedral School couldn’t have utilised the warehouse for the new school. The floorplate of the proposed new build school is almost the same as that of the warehouse and would have been a perfect fit.
 |
| the proposed new Derby Cathedral School - a missed opportunity ... |
But what about Derby University establishing some of its activities on the site?
I understand it is an objective for the University to take more of a stake in the city centre, particularly with plans for the Business School. Land opposite Friargate Square which is currently home to the University Law department, on Ford Street has been recently purchased and images released of a potential Business School development on the site.
 |
| A visual of a new Derby University Business School - a stone throw away to the Friargate Goods Yard site |
But wouldn’t the Friar Gate goods site make a fantastic campus for the University?
- A restored warehouse, with a central light filled atrium.
- A modern glass and steel extension on one side with perhaps parking for staff underneath.
- Enough space for additional university buildings, whether they be residential or academic.
- Access from Friargate at both street level by the arches and over Friargate bridge linking to the Law department at Friar Gate square.
- An instant community of students to help kick start the leisure opportunities in the arches.
Seems like a perfect fit to me ...
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