The Green Lanes

Project Overview

Location: Derby City Centre, overlooking Becketwell Live Arena

Purchase Price: £440,000

Build & Fees: £1,900,000

Gross Development Value: £2,800,000

Status: Complete

Timeline: 10 months from planning approval to completion

Deliverables: 24 contemporary studio apartments, three commercial units

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The Vision: From Dereliction to Distinction

In the heart of Derby's evolving urban landscape stood three adjacent properties that had been left empty. The Berry Group, with its signature instinct for hidden potential, secured these buildings through an exclusive off-market deal - a testament to our established network and reputation within the property development sector.

These structures had languished vacant for over two decades, bearing the unmistakable scars of prolonged neglect: extensive vandalism, evidence of squatting, and structural deterioration that threatened their foundations. Despite their prime location opposite the newly developed Becketwell Live Arena, these buildings had become urban eyesores, failing to complement the surrounding businesses and the city's forward-looking vision.

The Berry Group recognises the opportunity in these buildings. With our comprehensive approach combining property development expertise, architectural innovation, and meticulous project management, we embarked on a transformation journey that would restore these neglected structures and reimagine them for modern urban living and commerce.

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Strategic Approach: Preserving Heritage While Embracing Modernity

Our development strategy balanced preservation with innovation, honouring the buildings' historical character while introducing contemporary elements that would make them viable for 21st-century use. This delicate balance required extensive collaboration between our in-house teams:

• INCO Architecture conducted thorough structural assessments and designed plans that would maximise space while respecting the buildings' original footprints

• INCO Project Management specialists coordinated with local authorities to navigate planning permissions, particularly challenging given the properties' central location

• Berry Construction teams implemented specialised restoration techniques to address decades of neglect while ensuring compliance with modern safety standards

• Urban Bespoke Interiors crafted custom furnishings that would complement both the heritage elements and contemporary additions

The complexity of working with three adjacent yet distinct properties required exceptional coordination. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, we tailored our strategies to each building's unique characteristics, creating a harmonious yet diverse collection of spaces.

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Design Excellence: Bespoke Solutions for Unique Spaces

The Berry Group's commitment to design excellence is evident throughout The Green Lanes development. Each of the 24 studio apartments features thoughtful layouts that maximise liveability within compact urban footprints. Rather than viewing the buildings' complexities as challenges, our design team embraced them as opportunities for creating distinctive living environments:

• In one building, original timber beams were carefully restored and showcased as striking design features, connecting residents to the property's heritage while providing architectural interest

• Another property's natural level changes were incorporated into the studio designs, creating intuitive zones for sleeping, living, and dining without requiring intrusive partitions

• Throughout all units, clever storage solutions and multi-functional furnishings ensure that compact living doesn't mean compromising on comfort or functionality

The street-level commercial units were designed with flexibility in mind, featuring adaptable layouts capable of accommodating various business types - from boutique retail to professional services or hospitality venues. Large street-facing windows maximise visibility and natural light, while service areas are discreetly positioned to maintain clean, welcoming frontages.

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Craftsmanship: The Urban Bespoke Interiors Difference

A hallmark of The Berry Group's developments is our commitment to exceptional finishing, delivered through our dedicated interiors division. For The Green Lanes, Urban Bespoke Interiors created and installed custom furniture pieces that serve multiple functions:

• Built-in bed platforms with integrated storage drawers

• Multi-functional room dividers that incorporate shelving, media units, and workspace elements

• Compact kitchen solutions that maximise functionality within minimal footprints

• Custom joinery throughout that eliminates awkward spaces and creates a seamless aesthetic

Each piece was crafted in our dedicated workshop, ensuring precise quality control and allowing for truly bespoke solutions tailored to each unit's specific dimensions and character. This integrated approach eliminated the compromises often associated with off-the-shelf furnishings and created cohesive, thoughtfully designed environments.

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Urban Regeneration: Impact Beyond Property Lines

The Green Lanes project exemplifies The Berry Group's commitment to meaningful urban regeneration. Beyond the impressive financial metrics - a development value of £2.8 million from an initial purchase of £440,000 - the project delivers substantive benefits to Derby's urban fabric:

• Transformation of a previously neglected streetscape into an attractive, welcoming environment

• Introduction of 24 high-quality residential units to address urban housing needs

• Creation of three commercial spaces that generate employment opportunities and enhance local services

• Increased footfall and economic activity supporting surrounding businesses

• Reduced anti-social behaviour associated with abandoned buildings

By thoughtfully renovating these properties rather than demolishing and rebuilding, we preserved architectural heritage while significantly reducing the environmental impact compared to new construction.

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Technical Excellence: Overcoming Complex Challenges

The rehabilitation of structures that had been vacant for over 20 years presented numerous technical challenges that demanded innovative solutions. These included:

• Extensive remediation of water damage and structural compromises

• Upgrading all systems to meet contemporary building regulations and energy efficiency standards

• Integrating modern technology infrastructure while preserving historical elements

• Creating sound separation between residential and commercial spaces

• Navigating the logistical complexities of construction in a busy urban centre

Our integrated approach, with specialised teams working in concert under the Berry Group umbrella, enabled us to address these challenges efficiently and effectively, maintaining quality standards while adhering to the ambitious 10-month timeline.

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Conclusion: The Berry Group Difference

The Green Lanes development embodies The Berry Group's defining characteristics: vision to recognise potential where others see only problems, expertise to navigate complex development challenges, commitment to design excellence, and an integrated approach that ensures seamless execution across all project phases.

From acquisition to completion, this project demonstrates why The Berry Group has established itself as a leader in urban regeneration and property development across the Midlands. The transformation of these once-derelict properties into thriving residential and commercial spaces is a testament to our ability to deliver exceptional results, even in the most challenging circumstances.