Planning Approval Secured for Safe and Sound’s New Headquarters in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter

Heatons has successfully secured planning permission for the redevelopment of a former restaurant in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter into a modern and purpose-driven headquarters and community hub for Safe and Sound, Derbyshire’s leading charity dedicated to tackling child exploitation. This redevelopment marks a significant milestone for both the charity and the community, providing a much-needed resource in the heart of Derby.

The design of the project has been carefully planned to support Safe and Sound’s mission of helping vulnerable children and young people rebuild their lives after the trauma of exploitation. The ground floor of the new building will serve as a vibrant community hub, offering a safe, welcoming space for young people and their families. Here, they will have access to a broad spectrum of support services and activities designed to empower them, foster resilience, and provide crucial emotional and psychological support. The hub will also be a space where families can come together, access resources, and connect with other families facing similar challenges.

On the upper two floors, the space will be dedicated to providing essential support in both individual and group settings. These floors will house one-on-one support meetings, group workshops, and therapy sessions, designed to meet the specific needs of children, young people, and their families. In addition, the building will accommodate the hardworking staff and volunteers of Safe and Sound, offering them office space from which they can manage their important work and coordinate with other community organisations.

As the planning consultant for the project, Heatons is proud to have supported the creation of a space that directly benefits the local community. The redevelopment aligns seamlessly with the company’s values of using planning and development processes to deliver positive, long-term social impacts. The project represents a model of how thoughtful, compassionate development can help address significant social issues.

With the redevelopment now officially green-lit, Safe and Sound will have a new, central base from which to expand its crucial work, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people and families in Derbyshire. Furthermore, the redevelopment not only supports a vital cause but also strengthens the community fabric of Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, bringing positive change to the area.