£15m boost to reshape and renew Derby city centre

Derby is to receive a £15 million government cash boost to help renew and reshape the city centre following a successful bid by Derby City Council.

The money is coming from the Future High Streets Fund, which is designed to help renew and reshape town centres and high streets across the country.

Marketing Derby, along with the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs, the University of Derby and Derby Centre, contributed to the shaping of the business case that was put to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, said: “Successful city centres are the ones able to combine great retail and leisure offerings with residential and business use.

“Our future High Streets Fund bid will help to shape a city that can be a great place to live, work and relax.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “We know that the city centre needs considerable investment as part of its post-Covid repurposing.

“It's important now to move to delivery as quickly as possible as part of our place strategy to build confidence and diversify.”

Derby’s bid set out plans to reinvigorate the city centre, attract more visitors and create hundreds of jobs.

The final details on how the allocation can best be spent will be determined by the council in due course.