Empty historic homes brought back to life in Derby

A trio of historic vacant homes in Derby have been transformed into high quality family homes.

The properties in the Arboretum Square conservation area had been targeted by vandals, drug addicts and squatters. They have now had new life breathed into them through a comprehensive refurbishment programme, thanks to an innovative partnership and Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) investment.

Before and after shots (below) of the homes at Arboretum Square, Derby

The three properties were the subject of a compulsory purchase order initiated in 2007.  Plans for the refurbishment were delayed by a lengthy public inquiry, held following challenges to the Council’s plans for the properties.  However, the Council was ultimately successful and the properties were handed over to Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) on a long term lease basis in late 2010.

The process of upgrading the properties then began in earnest, with the appointed contractor, Tanbry, carrying out extensive renovations and de-converting them from flats to return the properties to the useful housing stock.

In addition to the remedial works, one of the properties has been fitted additional insulation, solar panels and other measures to minimise its carbon footprint. Monitoring equipment has also been fitted so that the level of energy saving quantified and then applied to other similar projects.

Mike Andrews, Chief Executive of NCHA, said:

"For me this is like coming back to our roots because we started life 40 years ago in Nottingham, refurbishing Victorian and older properties. We are happy to now be going back to bringing buildings of historical importance back into use."

Councillor Phil Ingall, Derby City cabinet member for housing, commented:

"When I first saw these houses and this area I was surprised at how beautiful it was. They are fantastic houses but the sad thing was they were in such a state of decline. This is a wonderful part of the City with the park and it was wonderful that NCHA came on board to move it forward and I'm impressed with the high standard."

Jane Tricker, Area Manager for the HCA, added:

“Our investment and practical support for the project has helped to create new homes for local people, as well as improve the blight to the area caused by their vacant state.” 

The City Council's empty homes service is working to bring more derelict private homes such as these back into use.  In addition to working with owners to facilitate a voluntary reoccupation of empty homes, the compulsory purchase process of several other long term empty properties in the City has recently been initiated.

The HCA has recently launched its bidding guidance for providers and local authorities to apply for funding from the Empty Homes stream of the Affordable Homes Programme.

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For more information: Ian Dutton, 0121 234 9992, ian.dutton@hca.gsx.gov.uk