Transforming Forester House: Derby's New Luxury Apartment Vision

Derby City Centre is about to witness a remarkable transformation. Forester House, a former office building on Beckett Street, is set to become a stunning luxury apartment complex. This project, led by JSA Architects and T&T Assets Group, promises to breathe new life into a building once known as the Job Centre Plus. With 73 apartments spread across four floors, the redevelopment will also include commercial units on the ground floor, adding vibrancy to the area near the Vaillant Live venue.

A Bold Vision for Forester House

The plans submitted to Derby City Council mark a significant step forward for T&T Assets Group. Unlike previous conversions, this scheme introduces architectural features usually seen in high-end residential developments. JSA Architects have designed the building to include:

• Vertical gardens that add greenery and improve air quality

• Contemporary cladding systems that modernise the facade

• Premium amenities such as a concierge service, gym, and private dining facilities

  
  

This approach balances commercial viability with a strong focus on quality and sustainability. The goal is to uplift the city centre’s appearance while respecting the building’s original character.

Preserving Character While Embracing Modernity

Pete Tredger, co-founder of T&T Assets Group, emphasises the importance of retaining Forester House’s identity – "We are delighted to finally unveil Forester to the public in its full light. In the background, we have been working on this scheme for some considerable time, making sure we designed the scheme with the local environment at the forefront of our minds. We have worked alongside JSA to deliver a conversion like no other in Derby City Centre. Demolition of this dated concrete was not an option for us, as we wanted to retain the original character of the building whilst bringing its external impact right upto modern day using groundbreaking modern materials whilst keeping the CO₂ footprint as low as possible. This is our most challenging scheme to date and we are over the moon to bring in a new development lender on board to go on this journey with us."

What Residents Can Expect

The 73 apartments will be spread across four floors, offering a variety of living spaces designed for comfort and style. Residents will benefit from:

• Modern, energy-efficient design

• Access to exclusive amenities like a gym and concierge

• Open-plan living great for social gatherings and entertaining

• Ground-floor commercial units providing convenient shops and services

  
  

This mix of residential and commercial use aims to create a lively, integrated community hub. The project reflects a thoughtful approach to urban living, where convenience and quality go hand in hand.

Challenges and Ambitions

This redevelopment is the most challenging scheme T&T Assets Group has undertaken so far. Balancing the preservation of the building’s original character with the introduction of modern design elements required careful planning and collaboration with JSA Architects.

The team’s pragmatic approach ensures the project remains commercially viable while pushing the boundaries of what a city centre conversion can achieve. The result will be a building that stands out for its design, sustainability, and contribution to Derby’s urban fabric.

Looking Ahead

For those interested in Derby’s urban growth, this project offers a glimpse of how thoughtful design and sustainability can work together to create vibrant, liveable spaces. Keep an eye on Forester House as it evolves into a landmark of modern city living.

If you want to learn more about the development or get involved, stay tuned for updates from T&T Assets Group. This is an exciting time for Derby, and Forester House is at the heart of it.