Derby Homes has teamed up with Keepmoat Homes to deliver affordable homes on the former Rolls Royce site which once built engines for the iconic Spitfire plane, used during World War II.

The deal is part-funded by the new homes agency, Homes England, and means the keys to 12 new two-bed bungalows in the city will be handed over to Derby Homes from the end of March 2023.

The new bungalows off Nightingale Road are part of a wider redevelopment and regeneration project for Osmaston.

The vision of the development is to provide a secure, sustainable and attractive residential development, which responds sensitively to the site’s industrial history.

The 12, fully-adaptable, easy-access properties will have on-site parking, front and rear gardens, and will be very easy to maintain. They will also have wet rooms to enable tenants to have as much independence as they require when washing or bathing.

Permission was granted in June of 2020 for Keepmoat, one of the UK’s largest and successful housebuilders, to deliver the new homes and the project aims to reinvigorate the vacant land that was formerly occupied by Rolls-Royce for 100 years.

Derby Homes’ Managing Director Maria Murphy said: “We are delighted to be able to provide more much needed housing in the city and particularly for it to be on such an important site for the city. It’s great for a landlord to be able to work with the builders so closely and I know our staff have been welcomed on site throughout the process, which is terrific.

“By having our surveyors, gas and electric teams on site and working closely with Keepmoat’s builders we’ve been able to ensure that our high standards are met. For projects like these it’s always crucial to have the specifications up-to-date to meet both customer needs and health and safety requirements.

“We’ve had a great relationship with Keepmoat for many years now and we look forward to working with them in the future. Both organisations have demonstrated excellent teamwork and work ethic. We are satisfied that they are being built to a high standard of durability, which will enhance our customer’s experience.

“The homes will provide additional affordable accommodation for those in housing need in the city.”

Lee Parry, Operations Director at Keepmoat, said “We recognise the need for affordable, accessible housing in the area, and we are proud to be working together with our long-term partners Derby Homes, and Homes England on the delivery of these 12 bungalows in Osmaston.

“We pride ourselves on the construction of great, high-quality, and energy-efficient homes that are fit for the future, to which these bungalows are no exception, and have been designed to allow for the occupants’ full independence in a home that they can call their own.”

The aptly named Marble Square development, which was inspired by suggestions from pupils of the local school, Ashwood Spencer Academy, will encompass the previously converted and historic Marble Hall which now houses office and commercial space.

The site is one of the city’s most recognised landmarks but has been empty since Rolls-Royce moved in 2007.

The site was camouflaged during World War II to protect the manufacture of Merlin engines, which powered Spitfires, Lancaster bombers and Mustangs.