Derby delight as £10m theatre expansion approved
Bosses at Derby Theatre say upgraded theatre spaces will put the city’s creative industries back in the national spotlight, after redevelopment plans were approved this week.
In May this year, theatre-owners University of Derby put forward proposals to build a 12,000 sq ft extension to the building, which sits within the 1.3m sq ft Derbion shopping complex to the south of the city centre.
Planned facilities for the theatre include a 150-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal room for use as a teaching and events space, as well as additional dressing rooms and offices.
The proposals form part of the ongoing regeneration of the Eagle Market area, approved in outline form earlier this year, with work for the Eastern gateway of a planned “Eagle Quarter” already under way.
The University of Derby says its revised proposals will re-establish the theatre as a “key cultural building” within the regeneration area, with a proposed public square in front of the theatre set to act as both a marker and gateway into a redeveloped city centre.
As part of regeneration proposals, the theatre’s frontage – which was previously plugged into the market – will be framed by a new ‘green heart’ of public realm.
The project was backed by £10m of government levelling up finding in 2023.
“This is an exciting step forward that will transform what we can offer audiences, artists, learners and participants,” said Sarah Brigham, chief executive and artistic director of Derby Theatre.
“At the heart of the development will be a new studio theatre, creating a dedicated space for us to programme ambitious and exciting new work, alongside new learning and participation spaces that will deepen our connection with communities across Derby.
“Following a hugely successful year of popular produced shows, we know there is a real appetite for work made in Derby. These new spaces will give us even greater opportunities to develop, create and share that work, putting Derby artists and stories centre stage and enabling us to welcome even more people into the theatre.”
Bennetts Associates are architects for the scheme, while AtkinsRealis provided planning services.
Plans and documents relating to the application can be viewed on Derby’s planning portal using reference: 26/00646/FUL
