Applications in for Derby Market Place regeneration
Derby City Council says long-awaited submission of plans for a mixed-use development at the former assembly rooms this week marks a major milestone for the city centre scheme.
The authority says outline plans have now been lodged for its Derby Market Place scheme, set to include the demolition of the former Assembly Rooms building, set to make way for office space, a hotel, alongside exhibition, gallery and art spaces and a new library.
A second round of public consultation on the proposals, which are being brought forward by VINCI UK Developments and ION Developments, was held in November – following an initial call for feedback in early 2025.
Further details will emerge when the application is validated and published by the city council’s planning department later this month, but previous proposals indicated three buildings for the site; an office development known as DerbyWORKS, a four-star DerbyHOTEL and a new cultural hub building known as DerbyMADE.
Derby City Council says the scheme will build on other regeneration work currently taking place across the city, part of it’s masterplan for the city centre.
“The Market Place is a vital part of our city centre, and the submission of this planning application marks a fantastic step toward the site’s total transformation,” said Councillor Nadine Peatfield, council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy.
“We have listened carefully to feedback – which clearly showed an eagerness to crack on with redevelopment – and this has been instrumental in shaping these plans.
“We know this work is long overdue, and I am pleased with the city’s support as we begin making tangible progress. This submission is a major milestone, these proposals will transform the heart of our city centre, bringing new life, activity and investment to the city and creating a place that we can all be proud of.”
The council says its proposals form will form part of a wider regeneration effort already underway across Derby city centre, which it hopes will strengthen links between key destinations and encourage increased footfall and activity.
Last month, shopping centre owner Derbion put forward its own masterplan for the former Eagle Market, south-east of the city centre, set to include a 670-home residential scheme and over 30,000 sq ft of retail floorspace.
Richard Fagg, Development Director for VINCI UK Developments added: “The Market Place has enormous potential, and the level of engagement we have seen through both consultation phases demonstrates how much people care about the future of this part of Derby.
“Submitting the planning application marks an important step forward. Our ambition, alongside Derby City Council and ION Developments, is to help create a revitalised city-centre destination that delivers new jobs, attracts investment and supports Derby’s long-term economic growth.”
A separate application has been lodged to clarify the planning conditions for the demolition of the Assembly Rooms. Demolition will begin once these conditions are satisfied, with construction following shortly afterwards.
