Heather Dixon, commercial property partner with Derby solicitors Flint Bishop, has taken part in a momentous groundbreaking ceremony marking the transformation of Derby’s historic Roundhouse.
The cutting of the first sod took a past, present and future theme with the guest list including former Roundhouse railway workers as well as Derby College students who could potentially be the first to study at the new Roundhouse site when it opens in 2009.
Heather, who provided legal advice to Derby College on the prestigious project, said she was delighted to be involved in the groundbreaking event.
She added: "It has been a challenging but extremely exciting project to work upon. The College’s vision for the site has been the major factor that will see Derby's famous railway heritage brought back into use for future generations as a key learning and educational facility.”
Guests were able to see how the Roundhouse will be transformed in an exhibition illustrating how the building has changed throughout its history and how it will look as Derby College’s new facility.
As well as being the College’s flagship site, the Roundhouse will be opened as a visitor centre and social hub for people to meet and learn more about the city’s history and railway heritage.
Derby College Principal, David Croll, added: “This project has the backing of a number of funders and I would like to thank them for their continued support in making the development a success and ultimately enhancing the accessibility, quality and diversity of education in Derby.”
The Roundhouse scheme, which has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Learning and Skills Council, is also supported by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, who have jointly invested £4.5m.
Forming part of Derby Cityscape’s Masterplan, the development will play a key role in the regeneration of the city, added Derby Cityscape Chief Executive John Cadwallader.
He said: “We have already seen the hugely positive impact that the Joseph Wright Centre has had on the north part of the city centre and the physical numbers that the Roundhouse will bring to the Pride Park end of the city centre will be equally so.
“Derby Cityscape is therefore extremely supportive of Derby College’s plans for the Roundhouse – not least that it will play an important role in the overall regeneration of this part of the city as it is on the doorstep of such areas as North Riverside and Castleward which arekey priority areas in Derby Cityscape’s Masterplan.”
The new college site has been designed by Midlands-based architects Maber Associates, with national building contractors Bowmer & Kirkland appointed to carry out the works.
The land, which was formally owned by Derby City Council, was finally transferred to the college last month.