Ambitious masterplan for city centre unveiled

Retail and leisure destination Derbion has lifted the lid on ambitious plans to transform a large part of Derby city centre.

It has unveiled proposals, which could see 1,250 homes built across two sites – the Eagle Quarter, made up of the current Eagle Market and Derby Theatre – and Bradshaw Way Retail Park.

The emerging plans also include new shops, offices and public space.

Phase one of the Eagle Quarter development forms part of the Eastern Gateway scheme, planning for which was lodged recently with Derby City Council.

The Eastern Gateway aims to improve public access to the city centre from Derby bus station, build a new entrance to Derbion on East Street, add additional shops and leisure outlets and create a new public boulevard.

Beth McDonald, commercial director at Derbion, said: “We believe that increasing the mix of uses across both the Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way sites would improve the vitality of the city centre, increase connectivity and encourage people to actively enjoy and engage with the developing spaces, creating a more attractive gateway experience for visitors.”

According to Derbion, the masterplan is designed to deliver a framework for longer-term development over the next 10 years and beyond.

The proposals aim to support the existing Derbion retail and leisure centre – and its significant position in Derby city centre.

This could include new homes and commercial uses alongside new public spaces and walkable streets that will integrate both sites with the rest of Derby city centre and improve connections with the River Derwent.

Derbion said its plans reflect the increase in demand for more residential development and the city council’s vision to provide an additional 11,000 new homes throughout the city.

Plans for the Eagle Quarter show the potential to introduce a number of taller residential buildings that could provide up to 850 homes, with new food and beverage, leisure and other activity at ground floor level.

At Bradshaw Way, the masterplan highlights an opportunity to transform the gateway site by providing up to 400 new homes and 5,000 sq metres of office space around new public spaces, and to improve connections to the Nightingale Quarter.

Beth McDonald said: “Over the past two years Derbion has gone from strength to strength attracting a raft of high-profile brands and investing in new customer experiences, including the £2 million refurbishment of our Food Terrace.

“While the centre continues to evolve as a major retail and leisure destination, it’s important that we also look further ahead across the whole of our footprint to ensure that Derbion can fulfil its potential in the heart of the city.

“Our masterplan is the starting point for us to explore future opportunities over the next 10 years and beyond that will benefit both Derbion and the ongoing regeneration of Derby city centre.”

Welcoming the masterplan, John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “The Derbion plans, and associated investment, form a significant part of the repurposing of Derby city centre and can be seen as another vote of confidence in its future.

“The Eastern Gateway will bring a much-needed transformation to the area around the bus station – and the Eagle Quarter further develops Derby’s city living offer.

“It’s also good to see that serious thought is being given to developing Bradshaw Way, better reflecting its high profile, central location.”