Exciting plans to breathe new life into Derby's former Assembly Rooms

Derby city centre is set to be transformed so people can enjoy a revitalised cultural quarter with new restaurant and ‘creative public spaces.’

Regeneration plans have been announced by Derby City Council, who has partnered with VINCI Developments UK and ION Developments.

It is all part of a master plan to focus on the regeneration of several important city centre locations. 

VINCI and ION have been invited to develop more detailed plans for the cultural heart of the city, which will see them work collaboratively with the Council and local businesses.

Plans to transform Derby city centre

Exciting plans are based on revitalising the cultural quarter to offer leisure, community and commercial facilities.

There will be a ‘creative public space’ located on the site of the former Assembly Rooms. 

The multi-functional building will have spaces for meeting, working, and a restaurant bolster the city's hospitality offering. 

New homes and buildings where people can live and work, will be built around the Bold Lane area and Northern Quarter.

Developers aim to create a redesigned and enhanced Market Place, which will become a focal point for the city.

There will be ‘pocket parks’ to support relaxation and wellbeing, and improved green spaces.

The scheme also aims to create ‘green and blue corridors’ so people can find it easier to navigate the areas between Cathedral Green and the River Derwent.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism said: “We’re on a journey to transform Derby into a vibrant city centre with culture at its heart, creating a go-to destination which not only attracts visitors from outside of the city but also offers an affordable place for our citizens to enjoy. 

“Attracting potential strategic development partners such as VINCI and ION is a huge step forward in bringing this ambitious vision to life.  

“We’re very much looking forward to working with them on plans for our city centre’s exciting future.” 

Steve Parry, Managing Director of ION Developments, said: “Together, we will use our extensive experience to create a thriving city centre location that offers a blend of cultural, community, and commercial space to meet Derby’s needs, both now and long into the future." 

Graham Lambert, Managing Director of VINCI UK Developments, said: “Derby as a city has much to offer and potential to be harnessed. We share the ambition of the Council, the local community and businesses, in seeking to revitalise the cultural core of the city."