Etwall House

Project Overview

Location: Derby City Centre

Purchase Price: £500,000

Build & Fees: £3,200,000

Gross Development Value: £5,300,000

Status: Complete

Timeline: December 2023 - January 2025

Deliverables: 46 modern residential units with parking facilities

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From Brownfield to Urban Oasis

In the heart of Derby, where opportunity and challenge often intertwine, The Berry Group identified exceptional potential in an underutilised brownfield site on Etwall House. This once-neglected parcel represented urban centres' challenges and the possibilities for revitalisation through thoughtful development.

The site's central location offered future residents unparalleled access to Derby's amenities, educational institutions, and transport links - a prime position that demanded a development of corresponding quality. Our vision extended beyond mere construction to creating a sustainable community asset that would serve the city for generations.

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Strategic Development Approach

The Etwall House project exemplifies The Berry Group's comprehensive development methodology, which begins long before construction and continues well after completion:

Our initial site assessment revealed complex challenges typical of brownfield redevelopment, including contamination testing, ground stabilisation requirements, and the need for sensitive integration with surrounding properties. Rather than viewing these as obstacles, our team leveraged them as opportunities to demonstrate our technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities.

The planning phase demanded close collaboration with local authorities to ensure the development would complement Derby's urban regeneration strategy. Our INCO Architecture team created designs that maximised the site's potential while respecting its context, balancing density with quality-of-life considerations.

By taking a holistic approach that integrated every aspect of the development process under one umbrella, The Berry Group maintained exceptional quality control while optimising the project timeline and budget.

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Engineering Innovation

The varying ground levels across the Etwall House site presented significant engineering challenges that demanded innovative solutions. Rather than implementing costly and time-consuming earthworks to level the site, our design team incorporated these natural contours into the development plan, creating a dynamic architectural response that turns potential limitations into distinctive features.

Our choice of timber frame construction represents The Berry Group's commitment to both efficiency and sustainability:

• Environmental benefits: Significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete construction

• Accelerated timeline: Complete structural frame erected in just 10 weeks, including steel and internal stud walls

• Superior insulation properties: Enhanced thermal and acoustic performance for resident comfort

• Flexibility for future adaptation: Easier modification compared to concrete structures, ensuring long-term building viability

The distinctive mansard roof design, finished with contemporary cladding, creates a striking architectural statement while maximising internal space - a perfect example of how The Berry Group merges aesthetic considerations with practical functionality.

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Designed for Modern Living

While the Etwall House development primarily serves Derby's student population, our approach rejected the outdated notion that student accommodation should be merely functional. Instead, we applied the same high standards that define all Berry Group projects: Each unit features thoughtfully designed layouts that maximise space efficiency without compromising comfort. From ingenious storage solutions to carefully considered lighting designs, every detail was orchestrated to enhance the living experience.

Our Urban Bespoke Interiors division applied its expertise to create living environments supporting academic focus and social well-being - spaces where residents can thrive rather than merely reside. Custom-built furnishings, manufactured in our dedicated workshop, ensure durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

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Future-Focused Infrastructure

The Berry Group's forward-thinking approach is evident in the infrastructure provisions at Etwall House. Recognising the accelerating transition to electric vehicles, we installed charging points within the parking area - an amenity still rare in comparable developments but increasingly essential for environmentally conscious residents.

High-speed internet connectivity, robust building management systems, and energy-efficient utilities ensure the building will remain relevant and desirable for decades. Though invisible to casual observation, these investments in infrastructure represent our commitment to creating developments with genuine longevity.

The site's carefully planned landscaping incorporates sustainable drainage solutions and drought-resistant plantings, reducing environmental impact while creating pleasant outdoor spaces for residents.

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Project Execution Excellence

The 13-month timeline from ground breaking to completion demonstrates The Berry Group's exceptional project management capabilities. This efficiency was achieved not through compromise but through meticulous planning and the advantages of our integrated business model:

• In-house architecture team (INCO) working seamlessly with construction managers

• Direct control over critical supply chains through established relationships

• Dedicated interior design and manufacturing capacity (Urban Bespoke Interiors)

• Streamlined decision-making processes that eliminate communication delays

• Proactive risk management informed by decades of collective experience

Our integrated team could respond swiftly when unexpected challenges emerged, implementing solutions without the delays typically associated with multiple-contractor structures.

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Investment Success

The Etwall House project's financial metrics tell a compelling story: a gross development value of £5.3 million from an initial site acquisition of £500,000 represents exceptional value creation. This impressive return on investment validates The Berry Group's ability to identify undervalued opportunities and transform them into high-performing assets.

Beyond these immediate financial metrics, the development creates ongoing value through:

• Consistent rental income secured by the property's desirable location and high-quality finishes

• Enhanced property values in the surrounding area

• Increased economic activity for nearby businesses

• Contribution to Derby's urban regeneration objectives

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Conclusion

The Etwall House development embodies The Berry Group's defining philosophy: that successful property development must balance commercial objectives with creating spaces that genuinely enhance their communities. By transforming a neglected brownfield site into thriving residential accommodation, we've demonstrated our commitment to urban regeneration that benefits investors, residents, and the wider city.

This project powerfully testifies to The Berry Group's integrated capabilities - from site acquisition and architectural design through construction and interior finishing to ongoing management. The success of Etwall House reinforces our position as a leading force in property development across the Midlands, capable of tackling complex challenges while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.