Derry's Building Plymouth

Derry’s Plymouth escalators removed by crane

The escalators of the old Derry’s Department Store Plymouth had to be removed by crane.. through the open roof!

We are working on a major redevelopment project in the old department sore and adjoining 7 storey building. This involves remodelling, extending and refurbishing the existing structure. It will become a 500 bed student accommodation block, 110 top floor hotel rooms and ground floor retail units.

escalator 1 300x225 - Department Store Escalators removed by crane escalator 1 1 300x225 - Department Store Escalators removed by crane

We created 3 new internal atriums through this 4 storey construction, to bring light to the student rooms within the building. Once these areas had been carved out, it allowed us to lift the escalators out through the roof opening. This was of course done by one of our expert, skilled crane operators.

16199 Plymouth 12 750x500 300x200 - Department Store Escalators removed by craneaerial 3 1 225x300 - Department Store Escalators removed by crane

To complete the project we will also create a new lightweight storey to the top of the existing Derry’s building. Furthermore, 4 storeys will be added to the top of the adjoining Co-op building.

Derry’s Department Store was once one of Plymouth’s best known stores, which opened as the Co-operative in 1953. It closed its doors for the final time in July 2010.

See more on our Plymouth Project.