Developer St James Securities has appointed two of the region’s most experienced office agents to bring forward the next phase of its landmark development on the former Duckworth Square site in Derby city centre.
The proposed 3 Springwell Square development will deliver a major new Grade A office building of between 96,200 sq. ft and 140,000 sq. ft in the heart of the £200m Becketwell scheme, forming a key part of Derby’s ongoing city centre regeneration and one of the most significant new workspace opportunities in the East Midlands.
Highly regarded East Midlands office specialist Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, has been appointed alongside Michelle Mills, director at CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, to market the scheme as demand grows for high-quality city centre workspace in Derby.
Russell brings more than three decades’ commercial property experience to the scheme, having delivered a wide range of office, mixed-use and regeneration projects across the East Midlands and beyond.
He has been involved in the Becketwell regeneration scheme since its inception in 2018, working with St James Securities on both the £37m Condor build-to-rent scheme and the £45.8m Vaillant Live entertainment venue.
Michelle brings extensive experience across the East Midlands and national markets, with particular expertise in office, research and development, and life sciences space.
Their expertise in positioning and marketing high-quality office space will be key in supporting the continued momentum and profile of the Becketwell scheme.
The appointments come at a pivotal point for Becketwell with increasing occupier interest in the proposed office scheme and growing momentum behind the proposal to locate the Great British Railways headquarters on the former Duckworth Square site.
Commenting on the appointments, Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities, said:
“Becketwell is about creating a long-term business destination in the heart of Derby capable of attracting major organisations and supporting the continued regeneration of the city centre.
“We are seeing growing occupier interest in our new office scheme and want to ensure we are in the strongest possible position to convert that into commitments.
“Bringing Russell and Michelle on board ensures we have the right expertise in place to take the scheme forward and engage effectively with the occupier market.”
Russell said:
“Becketwell represents one of the most significant office opportunities to come forward in the East Midlands for many years.
“The combination of scale, specification and city centre location sets it apart from much of what is currently available in the market, particularly for occupiers seeking high-quality, sustainable workspace in a well-connected urban setting.”
Michelle added:
“Becketwell presents a rare opportunity to create a genuinely integrated business environment in a city centre location.
“The potential for Great British Railways to locate here would significantly enhance the scheme’s appeal and act as a catalyst for a wider business cluster and further inward investment.”
3 Springwell Square is expected to play a central role in the next phase of Derby city centre’s regeneration, delivering high-quality workspace capable of attracting both regional and national occupiers.
Becketwell has outline planning permission for a range of uses, including an HQ office building. Enabling works are due to commence later this month, including survey work, demolition of existing structures, excavation and site preparation, and construction of a new perimeter retaining wall.
A planning application is expected later this year and, subject to approvals, construction is anticipated to run from summer 2027 to spring 2029, with completion targeted for Q1 2029.
Derby was confirmed as the home of Great British Railways in 2023, recognising its deep rail heritage and central role within the UK transport network. The final decision on the headquarters location is expected before the end of 2026, placing Becketwell firmly within one of the UK’s most high-profile regeneration and relocation opportunities.
