Derby bosses back ‘transformational’ city centre projects
Marketing Derby bosses are excited about the proposals
Business chiefs have backed two major projects planned for Derby city centre - saying they will transform the area.
Separate planning applications have been lodged with Derby City Council to turn the old Bennetts building in Iron Gate into a mixed-use scheme - and to breathe new life into sites around the Derbion shopping centre.
Marketing Derby has now informed the council it supports both applications following talks with members of Derby Economic Development Advisory Committee (DEDAC).
The Derbion proposals involve redeveloping sites in Bradshaw Way and the Eagle Quarter, creating hundreds of new homes as well as commercial and public space.
In his letter of support, John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “The Bradshaw Way development complements an area already undergoing significant regeneration in Castleward and Nightingale Quarter and supplements the requirement for more residential accommodation within the city limits.
“The Eagle Quarter development complements the current plans to regenerate an important gateway into the city centre from Derby bus station – the Eastern Gateway.
“It also supplements the housing demand and improves the quality of the area.
“The proposed developments improve two key gateways into the city, producing a modernised and regenerated welcome to the city centre with an improved building aesthetic and streetscape.”
The plans for the former Bennetts department store building, led by Manston Investments, involve retail, restaurant, offices and the creation of eight residential units.
Mr Forkin said: “Marketing Derby, on behalf of the (DEDAC), supports the application as it regenerates a building of significant local interest, located on an important street in the historic Cathedral Quarter.
“Iron Gate won Best High Street of the Year in 2016 but has seen a steady decline in occupants since then.
“Covid has accelerated this decline. It’s important to allow regeneration to a building such as this to prevent further decline in the area.
“The former Bennetts on Iron Gate is of true, local historic importance, and evokes an emotional memory for many of the people of Derby.
“Therefore, it is imperative that the regeneration is sympathetic in its design and end use.
“We believe the design proposed by Manston upholds the heritage of the area.”