Hidden in plain sight just off Derby’s inner ring road, a remarkable piece of the city’s industrial past is quietly waiting to begin its next chapter.

The Old Maltings on Forman Street, a locally listed building dating back to around 1835, is now available to let, opening its doors to a new occupier for the first time in over a decade, offering a rare opportunity to work within one of Derby’s most distinctive and historic spaces.

Originally built by Robert Forman, a prominent local figure and former Mayor of Derby, the building formed part of the Curzon Street Maltings at a time when the city was a thriving centre for malting and brewing. In an era when Derby’s streets were lined with malt houses supplying alehouses across the region, the site played a small but significant role in the city’s industrial story.

Today, traces of that history remain woven into the fabric of the building. The original kiln structures can still be seen within the space, and the building is believed to be one of the oldest surviving manually operated maltings in the UK, offering a rare glimpse into Derby’s industrial past.

But like Derby itself, The Old Maltings has continually evolved.

From its early days in the malting trade, the building later became a box factory, where rows of workers assembled packaging by hand. In more recent years, it has provided a base for training organisations, creative businesses and care services, each adding a new layer to its story.

Now, following its latest refurbishment, the upper floor is available to let once again.

The space offers a blend of character and practicality, with open-plan areas, exposed brickwork and high ceilings creating an environment that feels both distinctive and adaptable. Modern touches, including renewable energy from rooftop solar panels which provide electricity for the occupier, and energy-efficient heating, sit comfortably alongside the building’s historic features.

Its location, close to the city centre yet slightly removed from its pace, adds to its appeal, offering visibility, accessibility and a sense of individuality that is increasingly hard to find.

William Barron, owner of The Old Maltings, said: “This building has been part of Derby’s working life for nearly 200 years. It has continually adapted over time, and we are keen to find an occupier who will appreciate its history while bringing something new to the space.”

For the right occupier, The Old Maltings represents more than just a workspace. It is an opportunity to become part of a living piece of Derby’s history, to bring new energy into a building that has been at the heart of the city’s working life for nearly 200 years.

As Derby continues to grow and reinvent itself, places like The Old Maltings serve as a reminder of where that story began, and the role they can still play in shaping what comes next.

The Old Maltings is now available to let, offering a rare chance to occupy a truly unique Derby building. For more details or to arrange a viewing, contact Innes England – dthompson@innes-england.com