Derby Market Place: long-awaited regeneration plans to replace Assembly Rooms are 'close'

However, a timeframe for the demolition of the building is still uncertain. And a meeting heard there are still a number of steps to get through before any demolition can happen.

Demolition works had been due to take place in the “late autumn”. But concerns over a planning condition and ongoing uncertainty about the venue’s permanent replacement meant bulldozing was put on hold by the Labour-led council.

It was hoped a postponement would mean subsequent construction work could take place immediately afterwards without the site standing vacant for too long.

Derby City Council has previously said its plans to replace the Assembly Rooms, which have been closed since a fire in 2014, include new public realm space, new office space and a four-star hotel. This is with an aim to deliver a new “cultural heart” for the city centre.

A presentation providing an update on the Market Place plans was heard at a Derby City Council regeneration scrutiny meeting last week. But it was said the discussion could not be shown on the council’s live YouTube stream of the meeting for “technical reasons”.

Derby City Council was approached to provide a public update on the Market Place in light of the “technical problems” at the meeting.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the council, said: “Late last year, we made the decision to reorder plans for the demolition of the Assembly Rooms site to ensure the best outcome for the city.

“Since then, we have been continuing to work closely with our preferred development partners, VINCI UK Developments and ION Developments, on plans for the new Cultural Heart of the City which will deliver long-term value and a vibrant cultural destination for Derby. We are close to finalising our proposals for the site and look forward to consulting with our partners and residents very soon.”

The council has announced VINCI Developments and ION Developments as its preferred development partners to transform the Assembly Rooms site. The council continues to work with the firms closely and meetings are taking place to discuss the latest plans.

At the regeneration scrutiny board meeting, Conservative councillor Matthew Holmes gave a summary of the presentation. He said: “I would encourage the council and Vinci to engage with councillors and the public as we move forward. It was stated there will be a pre-planning application, public consultation, drop ins, workshops and online and interactive presentations along with targeted events. We learned we are still awaiting a business case and the financials involved.”

Last month, Councillor Petafield said she did not wish to give a timeframe on the demolition of the Assembly Rooms. She said: “I don’t want to give a timeline because I don’t want to give any false hope or be kept to a deadline I can’t meet. But I am desperate to get that building demolished as soon as possible.”