Replacement of Derby’s historic Bennetts store begins to move forward

This computer-generated image shows how the front of the former Bennetts store could look. Image by JSA Architects Details: This computer-generated image shows how the front of the former Bennetts store could look if the huge redevelopment project gets the go-ahead Multi-million-pound plans to repurpose Derby's historic former Bennetts department store could transform a key part of the city centre. New shops, restaurants, office space, and eight top-floor apartments could all be built in Iron Gate as part of a huge redevelopment project. It would bring the 29,000 sq ft part-listed building back into use for the first time since Bennetts closed down in 2019, bringing 285 years of trading from the same street to an end. The much-loved city brand, which also had a store in Ashbourne, has often been referred to as the world's first department store. Manston Investments Ltd, which owns the building, has submitted a Listed Building Application to Derby City Council after working up a plan to provide a range of different uses for the Cathedral Quarter premises which had previously traded as a shop since the 18th century. The Ashby-de-la-Zouch based firm aims to provide “a range of different uses targeted more towards what is required in today’s city centre.”

Work to replace a historic Derby department store is starting to move forward – almost three years after plans were approved.

Bennetts was in Derby city centre for almost 300 years before its closure in 2019.

The Iron Gate shop was often referred to as the world’s first department store and now operates online.

Following the store’s closure, plans were approved to turn the Grade II-Listed building into a mixed-use development of retail and/or restaurants, office units and eight apartments.

Plans also include partial demolition inside to create a new entrance to the upper floors at the back of the building.

But no work has been carried out, despite the plans being approved by planning chiefs almost three years ago.

The plans were instigated by Manston Investments, who said market research was undertaken in order to determine the future use of the building.

The applicant stated: “The proposal will complement the nearby scheme at Becketwell and is predicated on the current plan to demolish and replace the Assembly Rooms and adjoining multi-storey car park. The proposal has been designed to improve the aesthetic and access to the rear of the property however, the success and viability of the proposed rear entrance relies heavily on the realisation of the commitment to redevelop the Assembly Rooms site.”

Now, new documents have emerged showing applications have been submitted to Derby City Council seeking to remove conditions attached to the planning permission.

Conditions requested for removal are on issues including noise assessments, construction, ventilation and design.

Documents state the applications have been submitted by “Josh Singh” representing firms East India Properties and 8 Ball Contractors.

8 Ball Contractors has been approached for comment.

Derby City Council has not yet responded or officially made decisions to these applications.

News of the progress made at the former Bennetts store comes months after major plans to redevelop the nearby Market Place got the go-ahead.

The plans would see a big regeneration of the area with a multi-use building, hotel and new offices created.

A condition was also recently approved by councillors, allowing for the demolition of the Assembly Rooms to start.

Derby City Council officers welcomed the plans to replace Bennetts in 2023 and said it would “contribute positively to the vibrancy, viability and vitality of the city centre”.

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “We have received three applications for the discharge of conditions relating to application.”