Area Guide: Derby

Derby stands as one of the East Midlands' most dynamic cities. With its industrial heritage and regeneration projects, this thriving urban centre offers excellent opportunities for homebuyers seeking modern properties in a well connected location.

Major regeneration projects transforming Derby

Derby is experiencing its biggest transformation to date. The city's regeneration programme brings new life to key areas while creating opportunities for residents to benefit from enhanced amenities and infrastructure.

Becketwell Performance Arena

The Becketwell Performance Venue, now called Vaillant Live, opened in 2025 as part of the wider Becketwell regeneration project. This flexible space can host up to 3,500 spectators for concerts, live theatre and exhibitions. The venue is expected to attract around 250,000 additional visitors to Derby each year, bringing fresh energy to the city centre.

Derby Market Hall Revival

Derby Market Hall has undergone extensive restoration. Following a successful roof restoration completed in 2022, the second phase reconfigured the building's interior and exterior spaces. The Market Hall now houses diverse food and drink vendors, supporting innovation and training while reflecting the cultural opportunities within Derby.

Infinity Park Development

Located in south Derby, Infinity Park offers plots available on a design and build basis. The site already houses the Nuclear Skills Academy and Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. This development is becoming a popular destination for education and research, attracting high-calibre businesses to the area.

Castleward Urban Village

Over the past decade, Castleward Urban Village has reshaped the space between Derby city centre and the railway station. The project has delivered a tree-lined boulevard, a public square, a new primary school, shops and hundreds of high-quality homes with a strong emphasis on affordable housing.

Popular Areas to Live in Derby

Derby offers diverse neighbourhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Each area has its own character and appeal.

Mickleover

Mickleover sits two miles west of Derby city centre. This popular suburban area combines village charm with modern amenities. The neighbourhood has seen significant growth with new housing developments, excellent schools and a strong sense of community. Mickleover offers easy access to both countryside and city centre.

Allestree

Allestree is one of Derby's most sought-after residential suburbs. Home to Allestree Park, one of the largest green spaces in Derby, the area features a mix of traditional and modern homes. The suburb offers top educational institutions and excellent transport links via the A38, making it convenient for commuters.

Chellaston

Located south of Derby, Chellaston is a thriving suburb with excellent schools, parks and recreational facilities. The area appeals to families and offers good access to major roads including the A50 and M1. New build estates have brought modern housing options to this established community.

Littleover

Littleover combines affordability with quality amenities. The area features good schools and local shopping facilities. Its convenient location provides straightforward access to Derby city centre and surrounding areas, making it popular with families and first-time buyers.

Darley Abbey

Nestled along the River Derwent, Darley Abbey offers a picturesque setting with period architecture and quaint streets. The area provides a unique living experience with proximity to Darley Park and easy access to Derby's amenities. It's just a five-minute drive from the city centre.

Schools and education

Derby provides strong educational options across all age groups. The city has numerous outstanding schools alongside higher education institutions.

Primary schools

• Hardwick Primary School - Derby
• Lawn Primary School - Allestree
• Wren Park Primary School - Mickleover
• Hackwood Primary School - Mickleover
• Reigate Park Primary School - Mackworth
• Walter Evans Church of England Primary School - Darley Abbey, DE22 1EF
• St Andrew's School - Breadsall Hilltop, DE21 4EW

Secondary schools

• Allestree Woodlands School - Allestree
• Littleover Community School - Littleover
• Murray Park School - Mickleover
• West Park School - Spondon
• Chellaston Academy - Chellaston
• Landau Forte College - Derby city centre
• Derby Pride Academy - Derby
• Derwent Community School - St. Mark's Road, DE21 6AH

Further and higher education

• University of Derby - Kedleston Road campus
• Derby College - Multiple campuses including The Roundhouse, Joseph Wright Centre and Broomfield Hall
• University of Nottingham Graduate Entry Medical School - Royal Derby Hospital

Why choose a new build home in Derby

Purchasing a new build property in Derby offers numerous advantages for modern homebuyers.

Energy efficiency

New build homes come with the latest energy efficient features. Many developments include solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and smart thermostats. These features reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Modern design and specifications

Contemporary properties offer open plan living spaces, fitted kitchens with integrated appliances and modern bathrooms. Developers design homes to suit modern lifestyles with flexible spaces and ample storage.

No chain complications

New build properties eliminate chain related delays. Buyers can move in without waiting for previous owners to complete their own moves. This streamlines the purchasing process significantly.

NHBC warranty protection

New homes come with a 10 year NHBC Buildmark warranty (or equivalent). This provides peace of mind and financial protection against structural defects. The warranty covers major issues and gives buyers confidence in their investment.

Personalisation

Many developers offer buyers the chance to customise their new home. Depending on the build stage, you can select kitchen finishes, flooring and other features to suit your taste.

Sports and recreation in Derby

Derby has a proud sporting heritage with teams across multiple disciplines.

Derby County FC

Derby County, known as The Rams, is one of the 12 founder members of the Football League established in 1888. The club currently competes in the Championship at Pride Park Stadium. Derby County has a rich history including winning the First Division twice in the 1970s and reaching the European Cup semi-finals.

Derby Rugby Football Club

Derby RFC, officially formed in 1891-92, is based at Haslams Lane. The club runs four senior sides, a ladies team, a colts team and a full set of junior teams. The first XV currently plays in Regional 1 Midlands. The club offers rugby for all ages and abilities.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club

Derbyshire County Cricket Club plays at the Incora County Ground in Derby. The club has a long history and continues to compete in professional cricket competitions.

Transport and connectivity

Derby's central location provides excellent transport links throughout the UK.

Derby railway station offers direct services to major cities. Leicester is reachable in under 20 minutes, Birmingham in 40 minutes and London in approximately 90 minutes. The station sits just southeast of the city centre, making it convenient for commuters.

The M1 motorway runs east of Derby, providing road connections to London, Sheffield and Leeds. The A38, A50, A52 and A6 roads offer additional routes to Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham and Stoke. Nottingham is just a 20 minute drive via the A52.

East Midlands Airport is located 15 miles from Derby city centre. The airport offers frequent flights to UK and European destinations, expanding travel options for residents.

New developments in and around Derby

Several exciting new build developments are currently available in Derby through newhomesforsale.co.uk. These offer a range of property types to suit different buyers.

Hackwood Grange, Mickleover

Hackwood Grange is part of a major development in Mickleover. The development by Redrow offers a range of family homes surrounded by picturesque countryside. Amenities in nearby Mickleover and Derby city centre are just 10 minutes away by car.

Excellent schools including Hackwood Primary, Reigate Park Primary and Murray Park Community School are within easy reach. The development features show homes and offers pre-show home prices on selected properties.

Holbrook Park, Chellaston

Holbrook Park is a stylish collection of energy efficient homes in Chellaston. The development offers 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties under the Artisan specification. Located just 15 minutes from Derby city centre, the development provides excellent transport links and fantastic shopping opportunities.

The Vita section features sustainable living with electric vehicle charging points, solar panels and smart thermostats as standard. The development appeals to families, first time buyers and commuters to Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.

Langley Chase, Allestree

Langley Chase by Miller Homes is now selling in the sought after Allestree area. Show homes are now available to view, including the Maywood, a beautiful 4 bedroom home.

The development offers modern family homes in one of Derby's most desirable residential suburbs. Buyers can visit during opening hours by requesting a viewing.

Mulberry House, Derby City Centre

Mulberry House comprises 94 stylishly curated apartments in Derby city centre. Located in the DE1 postcode between The Derbion shopping centre and Derby railway station, the development is now build complete.

The apartments offer modern city living within walking distance of shops, restaurants and transport links. Show homes are available to view, providing an ideal option for young professionals and city living enthusiasts.

Living in Derby: culture and leisure

Derby offers a vibrant cultural scene alongside excellent leisure facilities.

The city centre features Derby Museum and Art Gallery, the Museum of Making and Derby Cathedral. The Cathedral Quarter provides excellent shopping and dining options with independent retailers and restaurants.

Derby's parks include Markeaton Park, Darley Park, Allestree Park and Alvaston Park. These green spaces offer walking trails, sports facilities and family friendly activities. The city is believed to rank highly for parkland per capita in the UK.

The Derbion shopping centre houses popular high-street shops, restaurants and cafes. Cultural venues like QUAD offer arts and cinema experiences. Derby hosts annual events including Derby Feste, Derby Folk Festival and the CAMRA Beer Festival.

Making your move to Derby

Derby combines urban amenities with access to beautiful countryside. The Peak District National Park sits on the doorstep, offering outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and rock climbing.

The city's growing economy, driven by major employers including Rolls-Royce and Bombardier Transportation, attracts young professionals. Almost half of Derby's population is under 35, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.

New build developments across Derby provide opportunities for first time buyers, growing families and down-sizers. With excellent transport, schools and regeneration projects, Derby presents a compelling choice for homebuyers seeking quality of life in the East Midlands.

Explore the latest new build homes in Derby to find your perfect property in this thriving city.