Conversion of offices into apartments in city centre conservation area reaches completion.

In January 2018 Planning Permission was granted for the conversion of the old Sight Support Offices into 8 apartments. The offices are part of The Nottingham Road Estate located close to the City centre and are owned by The Liversage Trust. The Estate was built in the early 1900’s and is now a designated conservation area.

The Trust has been operating in Derby for nearly 500 years. It is a local and very well respected organisation that offers good quality, low cost rental accommodation for Derby people aged 60 or over across the city.

Montague Architects have worked with the Trust for more than 10 years and since the merger with Matthew Montague Architects back in November 2017 the partnership has continued. Matthew Montague Architects have worked with the Trust to develop the scheme and take it through the construction phase to completion.

The majority of the works were internal to the building; with a small extension being constructed to the rear of the property. The general external appearance has been upgraded but has largely remained unchanged; the new traditional windows and panelled doors for the apartments have been designed to retain all existing entrances.

The Main Contractor for the works was Peter Baines Ltd of Woods Lane, Derby.

Over the past two years there has been other investment in the area. The adjacent properties on Key Street, Robert Street and Alice Street have been improved with new traditional doors and high quality traditional timber sash windows.

The completed works have been highly commended in the George Rennie awards. The awarding body said ‘the project demonstrates an exemplary commitment to preserving and enhancing the character of the conservation area’.

Yvonne Taylor, the General Manager said "The Trust remains impressed with the professional and personal attention by the architect from start to finish of each project: ensuring the specification is sensitive to its surroundings, all necessary consents are obtained and contractors are managed effectively"

The first tenants will take up residence in the autumn.