St James Securities, the developer behind the £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby, is consulting on proposals for a new 106,544 sq. ft headquarters office building, to be built on the former Duckworth Square site at the heart of Becketwell.
The building has been identified as one of two final shortlisted locations for the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR), following Derby’s selection as the national home of the new organisation. A final decision on the location is expected shortly.
The consultation will run from now until Friday 11 September 2026 and will take the form of a virtual exhibition, which can be found at www.becketwell.co.uk
Visitors to the online exhibition will be able to learn more about the proposed development, explore the latest plans in detail and download further information. They will also be invited to share their views through an online feedback form, helping to shape the planning application before it is submitted.
The proposals comprise an eight-storey, low carbon Grade A headquarters building designed to deliver premium, flexible workspace for modern businesses. They also include an extension to Springwell Square and a new pocket park on Macklin Street, creating attractive public spaces that will complement the wider Becketwell development.
Once complete and fully operational, the building could support up to 1,244 jobs, bringing thousands of people into Derby city centre each week and providing a significant boost to local shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
An independent economic impact assessment has also found that locating Great British Railways at 3 Springwell Square could generate up to £151 million in economic value for Derby.
Commenting on the consultation event, Oliver Quarmby, managing director of St James Securities, said:
“We’re delighted to share our plans for 3 Springwell Square with residents, businesses and the wider public, and invite them to help shape this important next phase of the Becketwell regeneration.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver exceptional Grade A office space in the heart of Derby city centre, support investment, create jobs and further strengthen Becketwell as a place to live, work and do business.
“We’d encourage everyone to visit the virtual exhibition, explore the proposals and share their feedback. Their views will play an important role in informing our planning application and helping to ensure the development delivers lasting benefits for Derby.”
The proposed development will build on the success of the earlier phases of Becketwell, including the Condor Build-to-Rent apartments; Vaillant Live, Derby’s landmark new events venue and Springwell Square.
Future phases, including a four-star hotel and additional office accommodation, will continue to strengthen Becketwell’s position as one of the region’s premier business, leisure, and residential destinations.
A planning application for 3 Springwell Square is set to be submitted in late September 2026 and will be accompanied by a range of technical documentation covering matters such as traffic generation and car parking, noise, and air quality.
Subject to approvals, construction is anticipated to run from summer 2027 to spring 2029, with completion targeted for Q1 2029.
