Babington Lane

Project Overview

Location: Babington Lane, Derby

Property Type: Commercial Building with Mixed-Use Potential

Purchase Price: £360,000

Build & Fees: £460,000

Gross Development Value: £1,250,000

Status: Complete

Timeline: 6-month comprehensive restoration

Deliverables: 9-bedroom luxury HMO and modernised commercial space

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Recognising Untapped Value

The Babington Lane project exemplifies The Berry Group's expertise in identifying overlooked commercial properties with significant value potential. This once-thriving retail and office building had fallen into a state of disrepair and obsolescence, failing to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses and contributing little to Derby's city centre.

Our property development team recognised an exceptional opportunity to create a vibrant mixed-use asset that would serve residential and commercial needs while revitalising an essential section of Derby's commercial district. Despite its neglected condition, the building's solid structure and prime location provided an excellent foundation for transformation.

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Mixed-Use Strategy for Maximum Value

Our vision for Babington Lane centred on a strategic mixed-use approach that would maximise both the property's value and its contribution to urban regeneration:

The ground floor, formerly a furniture retail space with generous ceiling heights and street frontage, was ideally suited for continued commercial use but required comprehensive modernisation to attract quality tenants. Our design focused on creating a flexible, contemporary commercial space with updated utilities, enhanced accessibility, and improved street presence.

Simultaneously, the underutilised upper floor offered perfect potential for conversion to high-end residential accommodation. By reconfiguring this level into a luxury 9-bedroom HMO, we created a premium residential offering that would appeal to professionals seeking quality accommodation in Derby's centre.

This dual-purpose strategy enabled us to diversify income streams while creating a building that contributes to urban vitality day and night - a sign of successful commercial property development in city centres.

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Technical Challenges and Solutions

Transforming a neglected commercial property into a mixed-use asset demanded sophisticated technical solutions from our construction company specialists:

• Structural modifications were required to support new internal layouts while preserving the building's integrity

• Comprehensive updates to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems addressed obsolescence and increased capacity

• Service integration was carefully designed to support both commercial and residential functions

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Design Excellence for Distinctive Character

Beyond technical competence, the Babington Lane project showcases The Berry Group's commitment to design excellence that creates commercial advantage:

For the HMO conversion, our approach rejected the institutional feel of many multi-occupancy developments, instead creating a residential environment with character and quality:

• Individual bedrooms were designed with distinctive features and proportions

• Communal spaces balanced privacy with opportunities for social interaction

• Thoughtful lighting schemes enhanced architectural features while providing practical illumination

• High-performance bathroom and kitchen specifications exceeded market expectations

• Careful material selections throughout created a sense of cohesion and quality

The commercial space was designed with flexibility to accommodate various business types, featuring:

• Contemporary storefronts that respect the building's architectural heritage

• Optimised layouts that maximise usable floor area

• Modern service installations concealed within architectural features

• Durable finishes appropriate for commercial use while maintaining aesthetic quality

This commitment to design excellence ensures that residential and commercial portions of the building command premium rates while attracting quality tenants.

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Efficient Project Execution

Completing the renovation within six months demonstrates The Berry Group's exceptional project management capabilities. This efficiency was achieved through:

• Comprehensive pre-construction planning that anticipated technical challenges

• Phased execution that optimised trade sequencing and resource allocation

• Close coordination between design and construction teams to prevent rework

• Established relationships with specialised subcontractors for heritage commercial properties

• Rigorous quality control procedures that maintained standards throughout

This efficient delivery minimised holding costs during redevelopment, and when the property generated no income, these were critical factors in maximising return on investment.

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Value Creation Through Vision

The financial metrics of the Babington Lane project demonstrate The Berry Group's ability to create exceptional value through strategic property development. The transformation from a neglected commercial building to a thriving mixed-use asset increased the property's value from £360,000 to £1,250,000 - a 247% increase achieved with a build cost of just £460,000.

Beyond these impressive numbers, the project delivers ongoing benefits through:

• Diversified income streams from both commercial and residential tenants

• Reduced void risk through appeal to different market segments

• Enhanced long-term asset value through quality construction and timeless design

• Contribution to area regeneration that supports further value appreciation

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Conclusion: Integration of Expertise

The Babington Lane project showcases The Berry Group's distinctive ability to reimagine commercial properties for contemporary relevance while maximising financial returns. We transformed an underperforming asset into a vibrant mixed-use development that enhances Derby's urban fabric by seamlessly integrating architectural vision, construction expertise, and commercial acumen.

For property owners and investors seeking to unlock hidden value in commercial buildings, Babington Lane demonstrates the transformative potential of working with experienced property development specialists who understand the technical and commercial dimensions of successful regeneration projects.