Details
// Architect: Claridge Architects
// Structural Engineer: Lyons O’Neill
// Contracts Manager: Steve Price, Chris McKeever & Jordan Allingham
// Building In Use: April 2021
The Derry’s Cross redevelopment project boasts over 22,000m2 of floor space. The project utilises a much-loved building, previously a Department Store, injecting life and vibrancy into Plymouth City centre. Derry’s was once one of Plymouth’s best known stores, which opened as the Co-operative in 1953. It closed its doors for the final time in July 2010.
This large, multi-purpose project required remodelling, extending and refurbishing the existing structure. It has become a 500 bed student accommodation block, a 110 bedroom, top-floor hotel with 7 mixed purpose, ground floor retail units and student facilities.
Major works included the demolition and alteration of the existing 4 floors of Derry’s Department Store, creating 4 new internal courtyards. These provide natural light into the accommodation within the building, while also serving as beautiful outdoor space.
The project also involved structural alterations on the existing steel frame and concrete deck floors. This brought support for an additional lightweight, single-storey extension. This top floor extension is now home to the 110 bedroom leading hotel chain; The Premier Inn.
Conversion was also undertaken of the attached Riley’s building. Four storeys were be added to create an additional 7 storey student accommodation facility.
On the ground floor, a retail shell and core fit out was completed. This created 4800m2 of flexible use retail space, the Premier Inn Reception area and communal facilities for the Student Accommodation. A gym is planned for the basement of the building.
All of the work outlined was conducted with six live tenancies on the ground floor of the building.
Read all of the updates throughout the project in our News section.