A firm of architects has been appointed to design a new housing scheme on the site of a derelict former Derby factory which has been empty for almost 20 years.
WYG has been selected by Derby City Council to come up with a plan for the old Aida Bliss factory, in City Road.
The authority bought the site in 2018, principally to enable the construction of a new flood wall across the site as part of its Our City Our River scheme.
With the wall now complete, the council is now moving forward with redeveloping the rest of the site to accommodate affordable public housing. The scheme will provide the council with around 60 to 80 units of accommodation of various sizes.
At one point it was hoped that the building could be converted into a heritage vehicle centre. However, Great Northern Classics abandoned its bid after the council ruled that the site should be used for housing.
The former Aida Bliss building has stood empty since 2003 when the factory shut. Aida, which manufactured industrial machines for the manufacture of pressed metal products, had been based in Derby since 1938.
Over the years, various plans have been put forward for the building, also known as the Union Foundry, including the creation of new homes.
According to the city council, the Victorian façade of the factory building, overlooking City Road, will be retained as part of the housing scheme design.
WYG, which later this year will adopt the name of US-based parent company Tetra Tech, will be providing a multi-disciplinary team, covering architectural design, heritage, energy and sustainability, engineering and construction services, ecology and traffic.
The firm has extensive experience in designing and delivering key projects for clients like Homes England, Sellafield, and the Ministry of Defence.
WYG’s project lead, Kate Paterson said: “WYG are delighted to have been selected to work alongside Derby City Council and local resident groups on the redevelopment of this important heritage site.
“Through a fully integrated, collaborative approach, we hope to deliver a high-quality, sustainable scheme, which is sensitive to its setting and neighbouring properties.”
Councillor Roy Webb, the city council’s cabinet member for adults, health and housing, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to appoint WYG to this project.
“I’m looking forward to working with such an experienced and professional team and seeing their designs in the coming months.
“The Aida Bliss site is a huge opportunity for us to make use of this protected riverside location. We must do it right and I’m sure we will.”
It is hoped that construction on the site will begin in early 2022 following the planning and procurement process.
