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Built in 1859 for the Derbyshire Rifle Volunteers (architect Edwin Thompson of Derby), this is an exceptionally complete example of a local volunteer barracks and is Listed Grade II for this reason.

Its completeness is remarkable considering that it ceased to be used as a barracks as early as 1877. As of 2018, only a small section is actually occupied, although it forms part of the Rowditch Recreation Ground in the ownership of Derby City Council.

The complex consists of a number of different buildings surrounding an irregular quadrangular yard which would have been the parade ground. The main 2-storey barracks building occupies the western side. At one stage this accommodated an engineering works, later becoming a store, but now disused. On the north side of the yard is a separate block containing the officers' quarters, later used as cottages, and now partly in use by recreation ground supervisors.

The entrance at the eastern corner of the yard is flanked by two gatehouses, the southern one of which apparently housed the latrine block, later converted to public toilets for the recreation ground. The gateway between them retains an original iron overthrow.

The final element is the original rifle range on the southwestern side of the yard. This is a long lean-to canopy supported on cast iron columns, originally open to the yard for its complete length. In the 20th century part was enclosed to form a pavilion for the tennis club which had courts within the quadrangle. The whole is currently suffering from overgrowth.