Unsworth Sugden Group

The PR team set up an interview this morning for client Compendium Living to talk about its Castleward project in Derby.  This major regeneration scheme has attracted the attention of much of the regional press, taking pride of place on page three of today’s Derby Evening Telegraph.  Take a listen Compendium’s Managing Director Dave Bullock talk about the project bbc-radio-derby-281011-0821.

Dave Bullock, Compendium Living and Adam Wilkinson, DCC, at Castleward

Client Compendium Living has signed a deal worth £100m with Derby City Council, signalling the start of a major transformation of the city centre, which will provide a new and vibrant link between Derby Midland Station and the Westfield shopping centre.

Compendium Living will develop some 30 acres of existing industrial and amenity space in the Castleward area into a high quality city community which will become the new gateway into Derby.

This high profile scheme, which is being developed in partnership with Compendium Living’s sister companies, Lovell and The Riverside Group, will ultimately provide some 800 new homes, 215,000sq ft of commercial space, community facilities, leisure opportunities, a school and open spaces.

The area’s existing central footpath will be transformed into an exciting and cosmopolitan boulevard, with new trees, homes and businesses, which both residents and passersby will be able to enjoy. 

Along the new boulevard, the transition between old and new will really be felt as the team behind the project plan to incorporate building designs that reflect Derby’s railway heritage as well as its contemporary features.

Dave Bullock, Managing Director of Compendium Living said, “The regeneration of Castleward signifies a new era for life in Derby, really setting the standard for development and becoming the city’s new front door.

“By drawing on the knowledge and expertise of our partners we aim to carve out a new place to be, one that refers to Derby’s industrial past as much as it celebrates its cutting edge present.

“Living or working in the new Castleward will mean being able to take advantage of everything Derby has to offer right on its doorstep. 

“Above all, we look forward to being able to give Derby something it can be proud of.”

Councillor Phillip Hickson, Leader of Derby City Council added, “We are delighted to be working with Compendium Living to revive the Castleward area of the city. This project will deliver major regeneration benefits and provide a fantastic boost for the city. The development of this sustainable community embodies our strident ambition to attract investment into Derby despite the tough economic climate.

“Castleward is a key element of the Council’s ongoing commitment to stimulating the local economy. We believe that the Castleward will provide a high quality residential neighbourhood with the many benefits of city centre living and this will support Derby’s quality of life offer.”

The project will also include major improvements to the Bass recreational ground and include more than 200 affordable homes.

The Castleward team hopes to submit a planning application for the first phase of the development early in the New Year.

 Pupils from St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Burton Latimer were provided with bright yellow high-viz slap it wrist bands thanks to a colourful donation from David Wilson South Midlands. The donation coincides with National Walk to School Month which takes place throughout the month of October and aims to keep them visible on their walk to school, as well as raise awareness of safety and levels of noise while pupils walk to and from school. Thanks a lot to our brilliant photographer Steve Baker who went along to snap the children looking extremely pleased with their new wrist bands!

The pupils proudly wearing their wrist bands

Derek with his veg

Client David Wilson Mercia is ready for Halloween at its Shrewsbury site, Chatham Park, as one of the construction team has been growing pumpkins on his very own on site vegetable patch! Derek Allman, a forklift driver for the division, is growing a variety of vegetables including the seasonal pumpkins after his granddaughter wanted some to take to school for Halloween. His patch now includes potatoes and cabbages, and is doing so well he has now started handing out his produce to staff and residents at Chatham Park. Even our photographer Toby Savage, who took some great pictures of Derek with his vegetables, recieved a cabbage to take home with him.