Charles Herbert Aslin (1893 – 1959) F.R.I.B.A. became the Borough Architect for Derby in 1929 and oversaw major changes in the layout of the town through what was known as the Central Improvement Plan (CIP). He was also responsible for the design of a great many buildings of importance both within the CIP and elsewhere in the town. Unfortunately many of his buildings have been lost but thankfully some do survive and this section of the website will look at the legacy of CH Aslin’s time in Derby. A brief summary of the development plan will be followed by photos of his surviving buildings and a brief description of those buildings which have been lost.

On leaving Derby in 1945 Aslin became the County Architect for Hertfordshire and was at the forefront in the revolutionary development of prefabricated schools, something for which he is feted worldwide. His final achievement was to be elected President of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1954

As with most towns in the UK Derby had grown up haphazardly over the preceding centuries and by the early years of the 20th century plans were being drawn up to create a more rational and coherent structure to parts of the town, particularly along the Western bank of the River Derwent. Various plans were put forward after 1919 but all were to fall through, often due to a lack of money. However in 1929 a plan was presented by CH Aslin which was approved, although it was to be much revised before work began in 1931. The scheme involved the purchase and clearance of 12 acres of riverbank, redirecting a number of roads and creating a much improved crossing over the river. The photo below shows the beginning of the new line of the roads form the Morledge, along Corporation Street and onto Full Street.

Occupying a beautiful site on the bank of the River Derwent Exeter House was the first purpose built council flats in the region. The site had previously been occupied by the Derwent Foundry but this was closed and the site cleared as part of the Central Improvement Plan. In its place was created new housing for those displaced in the slum clearances of the nearby West End.Designed by Aslin in a restrained Art Deco style the building was constructed in 1929. His design meant that all the flats had Western, Eastern or Southern aspects with the access decks and stair towers all leading off a courtyard which faced the darker, North side. Aslin incorporated a number of beautiful artistic flourishes including mosaic patterns in blue tiles at intervals along the exterior. Now surrounded by mature willow trees the building looks wonderful

Little now survives of Aslin's bus station, however whilst wondering around the new Museum of making I came across the item in the picture below. This was the logo for the British Electric Traction Company and it once stood on the façade of Aslin's bus station. This had opened in 1933 and was the UK's first purpose built bus station as well as being the worlds first 'railway platform' design and originally had an art deco café. It eventually closed in 2005, no longer fit for purpose and was very run down, and was demolished the following year

it has been replaced by a huge development of restaurants and modern bus terminal. More practical and functional but certainly not as elegant.

Designed and built between 1931 and 1934, the baths were completed and opened in 1932 by the Duke of Devonshire. Following the completion of a new sports and leisure centre at Moorways the Queen Street baths closed at the beginning of 2022 and the future reamins uncertain