Client: Derby College

The Roundhouse Building at Derby College is a significant regeneration project that has transformed a historically important site into a vibrant educational facility. This multi-million-pound development is home to the Derby College Centres of Vocational Excellence, specialising in technology, construction, and engineering. The project revitalised Grade II listed buildings, which include the earliest surviving example of a housed railway turntable, once used to manoeuvre steam locomotives in the repair workshops.

The restored Roundhouse blends historical preservation with modern educational needs. The architectural design respects the site’s industrial heritage while incorporating state-of-the-art facilities, creating a dynamic learning environment for students. This development serves as a flagship campus for Derby College, offering cutting-edge training opportunities in a setting that celebrates the rich history of British engineering.

Services we provided

Water Engineering & Flood Risk
Civil & Infrastructure Engineering
Environmental & Sustainability Consulting
Structural Engineering

Our Role

BWB provided a comprehensive suite of civil and structural engineering services for the Roundhouse project, ensuring the successful integration of modern facilities within a historic context.

Structural inspections

Our role began with conducting structural inspections and surveys to assess the integrity and load-carrying capacity of the existing Grade II-listed buildings. From these assessments, we developed a full suite of civil and structural designs that incorporated the existing structures while ensuring the new build elements met all performance and safety standards.

Detailed schedule

Collaborating closely with English Heritage and Derby City Council Conservation Office, we produced a detailed schedule of repairs and coordinated the structural form to address the necessary extent of alterations permitted. Our engineering solutions were critical in preserving the site's historical value while enabling modern adaptations that support the college’s educational needs.

Feasability studies

Throughout the project, we also provided feasibility studies and planning support, ensuring that the development could proceed smoothly through all planning stages. Our integrated engineering approach enabled us to deliver a development that balanced the preservation of historical features with the requirements of a modern educational environment.