Conservation Area: Derngate conservation area (DNN12208)

The Conservation Area was designated on 25th June 1986 following a period of consultation which included amenity organisations, local businesses and residents. Its boundary has not altered since designation. Located in the heart of the town centre Derngate Conservation Area forms part of the historic core. Covering a diverse area, it stretches from St Giles Street to the north, which has a predominantly retail base, to Guildhall Road and Albion Place to the south. Guildhall Road forms part of the town’s cultural quarter and is home to the Central Museum and the Royal and Derngate Theatres. Albion Place was formerly primarily residential but many properties have been converted into business use. This diversity of use within the conservation area creates a busy and vibrant character with both day and evening activity. Derngate itself is one of the primary access routes into the town centre. Most of the buildings date from the 19th century with a few more modern examples such as the Derngate Theatre and the modern rows of shops opposite. The area would formerly have been primarily residential and there are many fine examples of late Regency and early Victorian terraces. Some remain in private occupation but many had been sympathetically converted into business use. A more recent trend has seen the conversion of a small number of properties back into residential use. The contribution made by the existing trees (many protected by a Tree Preservation Order) on the former High School site bounded by Derngate, Albion Place and Victoria Promenade is significant, creating a distinctive and unique character. The front gardens of Albion Place in particular are well-vegetated, while Victoria Promenade is lined with trees and flower beds. The trees at the southern end of Castilian Street combine with those across the road outside the Derngate Theatre (see p. 8) to break up the line of buildings at the heart of the Conservation Area.

Record last edited

Mar 3 2025 9:51AM