Latest News | 22 October 2020
Plans for Assembly Rooms site revealed
Bondholder Derby City Council has revealed plans for how the re-landscaped site of the former Assembly Rooms could be used once it is demolished, including pop-up markets and outdoor events, while longer term redevelopment opportunities are progressed.
Following the announcement earlier this year of plans to build a new 3,500-seater performance venue at Becketwell, the Assembly Rooms site will be developed to contribute to the future vibrancy of the Market Place and city centre.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of the City Council, said: “We are already working on options for permanent long-term redevelopment but we also have exciting plans so that the site can be used until then for a range of uses, including varied outdoor markets, pop-up retail, green space, food, drink and events.
“This will ensure, as we promised, that the site is not left as ‘a hole in the ground‘ or boarded off – something that we know is a concern for local businesses, city residents and the council.”
Plans following demolition would include food and drink stalls with seating areas, entertainment spaces and car parking.
Councillor Matthew Holmes explained that in order to regenerate the Assembly Rooms site, a blank canvas was needed to pursue what comes next. He said: “I hope that everyone can get behind these plans as we are determined to create vibrancy and help drive our recovery forward so Derby can continue to prosper.”
The City Council has said it hopes that a long-term development opportunity can be delivered in time that the shorter-term outdoor event space option is not needed. However, it said having the plans in place will mean the prime site will be contributing to the city centre at the earliest opportunity.
Ideas for the future development of the Assembly Rooms site are currently being worked up by the Council and key partners.
The development aims to contribute to the vibrancy of the Market Place area, complement the new vision for the historic Market Hall, Bondholder QUAD and refurbishment of the Guildhall.
A vibrant city centre is a key part of a strategy developed to ensure Derby’s economy remains resilient in the face of the Covid-19 health emergency. A task force, made up of representatives from both public and private sectors, is driving activity to maintain business and investor confidence, diversify the local economy and decarbonise the city.
A specific workstream is examining regeneration of the city centre, taking into account new consumer behaviours driven by the pandemic and economic structural change.
