Councillors back revised £100m Market Place scheme
A regeneration plan for the former Assembly Rooms in Derby city centre is set to move forward at last, after planning permission was granted by the city council.
Outline plans to redevelop Market Place were knocked back by Derby’s planning committee in May over design concerns, with councillors worried that a design code intended to satisfy heritage concerns was too restrictive – and would leave Derby looking like “any other city”.
The application returned to committee last week with updated design codes for the five-acre site, a move which saw councillors finally give the scheme the nod at their meeting on 17 July.
Outline plans for three buildings set to be constructed as part of the new development on the site of the derelict Derby Assembly Rooms were oiriginally submitted by developers VINCI and ION Developments in late January, described as a “vital opportunity” for the city’s regeneration programme.
Up to 67,000 sq ft of office space is proposed for a new DerbyWORKS building, while around 57,000 sq ft would be allocated to a library and co-working space known as DerbyMADE. A seven-storey, 160-room hotel is planned for the third building on the site.
Plans to demolish the former Assembly Rooms can now move forward following the approval of an outline masterplan, which is a condition for clearing the site.
A mix of uses is proposed for a revitalised Market Place. Credit: via Royal Pilgrim
“To say that I’m thrilled, and very relieved, that these plans have finally been approved would be an understatement,” said Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council.
“It’s impossible to overstate just how momentous this milestone is for our city, allowing us to move forwards with the transformation of the site.
“We’ve been listening closely to our residents and stakeholders. We know you want us to crack on, that is exactly what we are going to do. Getting this green light is a massive achievement for everyone involved, and I’d like to thank members of the planning control committee for their diligence and support.”
The council says it will now also formally enter into a contract with Ion Developments, who will bring forward the regeneration of the whole site. The Council’s cabinet gave approval to enter into a development agreement earlier this year.
Steve Parry, managing director of Ion Developments, added: “While the planning application has been progressing, our team has continued working closely with the Council and project partners on the detailed preparations needed to move quickly into delivery.
“Subject to the necessary further approvals, that advance work will help us maintain momentum and get activity under way on site at the earliest opportunity.”
Demolition work at the Assembly Rooms is expected to take around a year, with construction expected to begin shortly afterwards.
