Wavensmere Homes has officially commenced construction on the highly anticipated redevelopment of Milford Mills. Situated along the River Derwent, this historic site lies between Belper and Duffield in North Derbyshire, blending rich heritage with modern redevelopment.

Initial groundworks and site preparations are progressing across the 4.7-acre site, paving the way for the first phase of development. Phase 1 will deliver 10 two- and three-bedroom houses. A further 15 three-bedroom homes will follow in the second phase, set for completion by the end of 2026. We expect the design team to fully complete the entire project, including restoration and construction, by mid-2027

Situated within the prestigious Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, this brownfield regeneration will transform former commercial premises into a vibrant residential community. A total of 69 new homes will be created, comprising 42 two- and three-bedroom houses and 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments within a contemporary four-storey building overlooking the River Derwent and Mill Lade.

Wavensmere will equip the homes with air source heat pumps, while the apartments will have electric heating and rooftop solar PV panels to generate renewable energy.

Our Contribution to the Milford Mills Redevelopment

Jackson Purdue Lever has actively collaborated with the design team in closely supporting Wavensmere Homes throughout the redevelopment of Millford Mills. Our contributions encompass a range of services aimed at ensuring the success and sustainability of the project. These services encompass:

• Civil & Structural design of the redevelopment. This encompasses the intricate task of culverting the existing Lade of historic assets.
• Retention of historic assets. We actively recognise the importance of preserving the site’s historical legacy and have engaged in strategies to retain and safeguard its historic assets.
• Structural surveying & assessment of sites historic stone arches. Undertaking the comprehensive structural survey and assessment of the site’s historic stone arches, we aim to ensure the structural integrity and safety of these architectural features.
• SuDS ponds. In line with contemporary environmental standards, we have contributed to the incorporation of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) pond. This environmentally friendly solution is designed to manage stormwater and enhance the ecological sustainability of the redevelopment.
• Flood Zone compensation design of the River Derwent. Given the proximity to the River Derwent, our team has undertaken the crucial task of designing flood zone compensation measures. This involves strategic planning to mitigate potential risks and ensure the resilience of the redevelopment in the face of varying water levels.

Stay tuned for further updates as this exciting project progresses!