'We've added a new dimension to the city' – Electric Daisy bids to stay in Derby permanently
Electric Daisy, the popular garden space and bar, has applied to stay permanently in Derby city centre, promising to enhance the area's appeal and increase footfall.
A vote of confidence in Derby city centre has seen the popular Electric Daisy garden space and bar launch a bid to stay in the area permanently.
Jamie Quince-Starkey from Down To Earth Derby says the spot on Bold Lane has widened the city centre’s appeal and increased footfall.
Temporary planning permission was approved in 2023 for the site at the former Princes supermarket to be transformed into a new “nature regeneration” space.
Since then, tens of thousands of visitors have flocked to Electric Daisy for a wide range of nature-based events including markets, talks and community events or just to socialise with friends and family.
A statement from Down To Earth Derby states that more than 40,000 visited the outdoor venue in 2024 alone. A previous article dubbed Electric Daisy as the “hottest spot” in Derby.
Now a planning application has been submitted to Derby City Council calling for permission to allow Electric Daisy to remain at the Bold Lane spot permanently. It is hoped approval of such plans would encourage greater investment into the city and increase the city centre’s appeal.
Mr Quince-Starkey, founder of Down To Earth Derby and the Electric Daisy project, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it is time for a new and bigger chapter.
He said: “It’s been a great start for Electric Daisy. I’ve loved the diversity of events and the diversity of communities that we have been supporting.
“This is all about people connecting with nature which is what our mission is. I think we’ve added a new dimension to the city that wasn’t there before and we are bringing footfall into the city centre that wasn’t there before. We’ve had brilliant support from a wide range of people and businesses to get to this point.”
Plans were submitted earlier this month to the city council. A decision is expected to be made in the spring but dates can be subject to change.
Businesses in and around Derby say Electric Daisy has benefited the city in so many ways. They are supportive of the new planning application.
John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Electric Daisy has been a big success in drawing visitors into the Cathedral Quarter and is exactly the type of creative cultural and leisure activity needed in Derby.
“Before they opened, this prime city centre site had been derelict for years. I’m sure a more permanent arrangement will encourage greater investment and innovation by them.”
The garden space has also been welcomed by businesses nearby. Karl Shaw, manager of Mr Shaw’s House in Sadler Gate, said previously: “In terms of how Sadler Gate operates, it helps us with events. It’s perfect for when we do the night market, spring market, and future events, as it provides extra space for people to spread out.
“We think it’s beneficial for the street. We’ve got this gorgeous street that now tail-ends with the beautiful garden and Electric Daisy, and we’re all for making the city greener.”