Plans to bring back to life a long-time redundant factory on the edge of Derby city centre have taken a massive step forward. 

Damien Walters Limited, working in conjunction with MARV, has completed the purchase of the 80,000 sq. ft. former Aida factory on City Road at Chester Green from Derby City Council. 

The process follows 12 months of detailed work between Derby City Council and a team of locally-based consultants working with Damien Walters. 

With temporary planning permission already in place for part of the building, a detailed planning application will be submitted shortly to fully repurpose the site. Construction work is expected to begin at the end of Q4, 2023.

The proposal puts forward that Derby City Gymnastics Club and Gym will relocate from Chapel Street with a new stunt training academy to be incorporated into the new gym. 

Three film studios are to be created within the older part of the building, which runs down the full length of City Road. The final phase involves the delivery of a new world class rehabilitation centre for elite sports participants and the wider stunt industry. 

Commenting on the completion of the purchase, Damien Walters, said:

We are absolutely delighted to have concluded the purchase of this property, and I’d like to pay huge thanks to all the people working on both sides of the deal for all their hard work. 

We have already been rehearsing one major movie in the building and anticipate further rehearsal and production work to take place over the summer and into autumn, when we hope to secure planning to then deliver the first phase of the major building project at the beginning of next year.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism at Derby City Council said: 

We are working hard to build a really healthy, proud and vibrant Derby and this investment is great news. It’s a positive show of confidence in the city and its people. These are ambitious plans which, if approved, will bring welcome diversification to the city economy, and create exciting jobs and opportunities for the people of Derby.

Russell Rigby, Managing Director of Rigby & Co, who brokered the property deal, added: 

We have been working hard for the past three years to try and secure the very best fit in terms of property, to enable Damien and the wider team to deliver something that once complete, will be truly jaw dropping.

This level of investment in the mixed-use property will launch Derby onto the global map for film production, and stunt training.

Damien Walters Limited was represented by Rigby & Co, working with Geldards LLP. Derby City Council were represented by Freeths.