Bid launched to make city centre oasis permanent

A planning application has been submitted to make a garden space and bar in the city centre a permanent fixture.

Down to Earth Derby, which is backed by the Eden Project, was given temporary planning permission for the Electric Daisy back in 2023.

Now, it has applied to Derby City Council to make the venue, which is on the site of the former Princes supermarket, in Bold Lane, permanent.

Since it opened, tens of thousands of visitors have flocked to Electric Daisy to enjoy a wide range of nature-based events including markets, talks and community events.

It is hoped approval of such plans would encourage greater investment into the city and increase the city centre’s appeal.

Jamie Quince-Starkey, from Down To Earth Derby, believes Electric Daisy has widened the city centre’s appeal and increased footfall.

He said: “It’s been a great start for Electric Daisy. I’ve loved the diversity of events and the diversity of communities that we have been supporting.

“This is all about people connecting with nature, which is what our mission is.

“I think we’ve added a new dimension to the city that wasn’t there before, and we are bringing footfall into the city centre that wasn’t there before.

“We’ve had brilliant support from a wide range of people and businesses to get to this point.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Electric Daisy has been a big success in drawing visitors into the Cathedral Quarter and is exactly the type of creative cultural and leisure activity needed in Derby.

“Before they opened, this prime city centre site had been derelict for years. I’m sure a more permanent arrangement will encourage greater investment and innovation by them.”

A decision on the planning application is expected this spring.