Work Starts on ‘Saved’ Pepper Pot Buildings

Work has started on the iconic Pepper Pot buildings in the heart of the new Nightingale Quarter in Derby.

The development is situated on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, and will offer a range of one, two and three-bedroom houses and apartments.

The infirmary’s Pepper Pot buildings are all that remain of the former hospital, which was built in the early 1890s.

It is important to developers Wavensmere that the buildings remain a key feature of the development to retain its historical integrity.

Upon completion the buildings will be open for community use, giving residents access to facilities including a café, gym, and exhibition centre.

Founder of Wavensmere Homes, James Dickens, has compared the changes to the old buildings as “polishing a diamond”.

Previous plans from other developers that proposed to bulldoze the iconic buildings received backlash from locals and campaigners.

Following consultations with the local authorities conservation team, Wavensmere agreed how important it is to the local community to refurbish and restore the historical features.