Wavensmere Homes has been awarded two George Rennie City Heritage Awards for the restoration works at its £175m Nightingale Quarter by Derby’s Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee.
The annual recognition made by the Conservation Area Advisory Committee is in memory of the services of the former long standing Conservation Officer for Derby City, Mr George Rennie. All developments that take place within Derby’s Conservation Areas – or if they involve buildings on the Statutory or Local Lists – are eligible.
Entries are assessed on the design, selection and use of materials, the overall execution and standard of craftsmanship, the project’s harmony with the street or its surroundings, and whether it enhances a Conservation Area, or a Listed or Locally Listed building.
Wavensmere’s restoration of the two Pepperpot towers at the front of the 18.5-acre Nightingale Quarter scheme, on London Road picked up the first award, presented by Councillor Ajit Atwal, the Mayor of the City of Derby for 2025-26.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “The transformation of the Nightingale Quarter, and the restoration of the two Pepperpot towers, has breathed new life into our city centre whilst honouring Derby’s proud heritage.
“Wavensmere has carried out incredible work to turn what was once a derelict site into a thriving community hub which has been carefully restored, and I’m thrilled that they have been awarded two George Rennie City Heritage Awards.
“These awards reflect our mission of transforming Derby’s city centre whilst honouring its heritage. Together, with our partners, we are creating a city that we can all be proud of for our community.”
Paul McLocklin, Chair of Derby’s Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee, said: “These impressive buildings were part of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, are locally listed and very distinct.
“The external appearance of these characterful and locally distinct buildings has been transformed by careful repair of their roofs and masonry, so they now make a positive impact on the surrounding area and street scene. There is now The Pepperpot restaurant in one with a high quality glazed extension, while the other has been converted to a gym.”
The second award was also presented to Wavensmere for the relocation of the Grade II Listed Queen Victoria Statue and meticulous repairs to the original stone boundary wall to the site. The works also included careful relocation of the granite base and bronze statue and intricate repairs and lime mortar repointing to the stone walls.
Ben Clarke, Technical Director for Wavensmere Homes, said: “We are honoured that our design focus and investment into the restoration of the original DRI relics has been recognised by Derby City Council’s Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee.
“The historic significance and beauty of the two pepperpots are the pièce de resistance of the Nightingale Quarter community, which is now home to around 1,500 people.
“Taking pride of place in front of The Pepperpot restaurant is the Queen Victoria statue, which was erected in 1906 and unveiled by King Edward VII, commemorating her official opening of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary in 1894. This is the only statue honouring her 63-year reign across the whole of Derbyshire and is a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Victorian era.”
The 18.5-acre redundant 19th Century DRI hospital site was mostly demolished and had lain derelict for a decade, before Wavensmere Homes took ownership in 2019.
The regeneration specialist commenced construction in 2020 and is now in the final phases of delivering 125 houses, 800 apartments, an interactive community garden in partnership with Down to Earth Derby, The Pepperpot restaurant, residents’ gym, children’s play area and an expansive co-working facility.
