Eyesore city centre building to be turned into shops and homes

Dec 13, 2019 | Derby Street

Six flats are planned for the site

A prominent eyesore in Derby will be transformed into shops and homes, revitalizing the local area significantly.

The historic King Street building once housed IT and satellite TV businesses but has been vacant for years.

Located near the city centre and Seven Stars pub, it sits close to new luxury apartments in Five Lamps.

Last year, AK Innovative Design Solutions submitted plans to restore the building after its recent sale.

Derby City Council approved the application to create three retail units on the ground floor.

Six flats will be added on the first and second floors, providing much-needed housing.

The building once housed Sampson Hancock, co-founder of the Old Crown Derby China Works.

It also functioned as a factory shop, linking it to Derby’s famous porcelain history.

Hancock and five others founded their factory in 1849 after a nearby porcelain works closed in 1848.

The Old China Works sold to Royal Crown Derby in 1935, which later closed the factory.

Royal Crown Derby still produces fine bone china at its Osmaston Road site today.

The King Street building is locally listed due to its porcelain manufacturing heritage and is now in disrepair.

Remnants of the Old Crown Derby signage remain visible on the building’s side.

Council planners said the development respects the locally listed status and improves the street scene.

They praised the applicant for working closely to ensure proper design and material improvements.

The approved restoration aims to honor the building’s heritage while giving it new life.