University of Derby Enterprise Centre

An £8m University of Derby Enterprise Centre designed by Pick Everard has been judged Best New Building in the 2011 George Larkin Brighter City of Derby Awards.

Founded twenty years ago to recognise improvements made to the built environment in Derby, the awards are presented by Derby Civic Society each year to the best new building and the best redevelopment project in the city.

A brand new facility within the university’s estate, the Enterprise Centre houses a dedicated Innovation Zone for start-up businesses alongside offices, conference, training, café and dining facilities. The building mass compliments the typical Derby city street fabric and reinstates the historical town house footprint which parallels the City Council’s regeneration plans for the surrounding area.

The distinctive C-shaped footprint of the building enables it to sit comfortably in the conservation area with a three-storey brick-faced structure, while delivering dynamic contemporary impact to the courtyard elevations. The triangular, glazed, corner structure links these two aesthetics and provides a dramatic landmark at the entrance point. Sustainable features of the new centre include rainwater harvesting and natural ventilation assisted by wind catchers and sensor-activated windows.

The new Music School and sixth form centre at Derby High School designed by Pick Everard was also judged Best New Building in the 2010 Brighter City of Derby Awards.