2023 marks the 25th anniversary of Matthew Montague Architects (MMA), which has provided the region a wealth of buildings in sectors ranging from sport to leisure, education, commercial, civic and residential.
The business has recently been working extensively with the University of Derby on its vision of how the University intends to develop its city centre footprint and improve connectivity between its sites.
The City Masterplan developed by the architects’ firm focuses on the development of the area around One Friar Gate Square, Ford Street, Bridge Street, Agard Street and Nuns Street, in Derby.
Matthew Montague said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to be involved with the masterplan. It is ambitious, forward thinking and will help shape the future development of the University and the city, bringing new opportunities for students and businesses. It’s something we are really proud of.”
Daniel Evans, lead architect of the masterplan, added: “The concept for design focuses on simplicity, vibrancy, safety and sustainability. It draws on Derby’s industrial heritage and uses it to create a modern environment, keeping spaces open day and night.”
Being Derby born and bred and with his father being a founding member of Derby Civic Society, Derby’s heritage is very important to Matthew and over the years many heritage and restoration projects have given the practice a respected reputation for protecting and enhancing buildings that have contributed to Derby’s historic core.
The practice has designed and sympathetically restored many shops fronts across the city, more than 20 on The Wardwick and several others on Green Lane – many of these winning civic society awards.
MMA has been working with Derby’s oldest charity, The Liversage Trust, for many years. The Liversage Trust was established by Robert Liversage, a Derby business man in 1529. The Trust is an Almhouses Charity offering accommodation, care and grants to Derby residents in need. It has a varied, well managed, professional property portfolio comprising 160 Almhouses, a 40 bed care home and a variety of commercial units and residential properties across the city.
The portfolio has been managed, conserved and developed by the architect’s practice for over four decades. Initially by Montague Architects and subsequently by Matthew Montague Architects.
Matthew said: “The Liversage Trust has been part of Derby’s heritage for many years. Its portfolio of properties was managed and developed by Montague Architect’s for many years until we merged with them in 2017.
“We currently have projects to refurbish the London Road Almhouses and a full renovation of the redundant workshops on Alice Street to create new offices and workshops for the Trust’s staff. The refurbishment works to the Almhouses will futureproof them for the next 100 years, it’s a pleasure to be a part of it.”
The history of MMA is also interwoven with Derby County Football Club. Matthew’s support extends beyond the team’s performance on the pitch to being heavily involved in the design of the Academy facilities and a considerable amount of work around Pride Park Stadium including the iconic Clough Taylor memorial.
Repton School is another longstanding client of MMA, with numerous projects going back to the refurbishment of the 400 Hall Theatre in 2011. More recently a new dining hall was constructed at Foremarke Hall; Repton Preparatory School.
Matthew said: “This is one of my favourite projects that the practice has completed. The design is by my colleague Daniel Evans; it’s great design, a modern, high-quality project, it flows and sits seamlessly in its wonderfully historic setting. There is a great sense of satisfaction seeing a building completed as it was originally conceived.”
2023 is looking to be a good year for the practice as it continues to work with the University on their vision within the city. Meanwhile, AG Homes are set to build 33 apartments on Mansfield Road, a scheme designed by MMA, and there are exciting projects with Repton School, several commercial developments and houses.
Matthew added: “We are actually working on a project to refurbish Lonsdale House, which is fantastic as this was my first commercial job back in 1998, so 25 years later we are doing it all again!”
