Derby City Lab welcomes its 15,000th visitor

The Derby City Lab, which was set up to engage the public in the city’s regeneration story, has welcomed its 15,000th visitor.

The landmark was achieved when a new exhibition, showcasing Derbion’s masterplan for the city, opened at the lab last month following the conclusion of Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event.

The landmark comes as the Derby City Lab prepares to embark on its third iteration inside Derby Market Hall.

During the ABE, venue manager Hana York revealed that the lab would be relocating from its current location on Level 2 of the Derbion to a new space inside the revamped Market Hall.

Over the past few years, the historic Victorian building has been undergoing a £35 million revamp – and is set to reopen as a hub for stallholders, food vendors and makers and traders in the next few months.

Adam Rodgers, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Derby City Lab lead, said: “It is extremely fitting that, as we prepare for the next iteration of Derby City Lab, that we have hit the landmark of 15,000 visitors.

“We have enjoyed a hugely successful partnership with Derbion – and it’s amazing that so many people have taken the time to come and find out more about the exciting plans for Derby’s future.”

Speaking at the recent ABE, Hana said: “We’re particularly thrilled and delighted to welcome the next iteration of the Derby City Lab.

“We know it has had an amazing home in Derbion – and we have very big shoes to fill.”

John Forkin, managing director at Marketing Derby, said: “The Derby City Lab is a unique innovation in the UK – a genuine attempt to engage local people in the shaping of their city.

“Last month, we welcomed our 15,000th visitor and are excited to become part of the rediscovery of the wonderful Market Hall.”

The lab first opened in its current location in Derbion back in March last year.

Since then, people have flocked through the doors to find out more about Derby’s regeneration story.

Visitors have also been encouraged to share their ideas and opinions on how Derby could be made better.

Staffed by a team of customer assistants, Marketing Derby staff and volunteer ‘changemakers’, the lab is open six days a week (Monday to Wednesday 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 5pm).

Located between Castle Galleries and Goldsmiths (and opposite Frasers/Sports Direct and Marks & Spencer), the purpose of the lab is to engage the wider community in better understanding the evolution of the city and investment pipeline.

Previously situated in St James’s Street, the new-look lab is a public/private partnership involving Marketing Derby, Derby City Council, the University of Derby and Derbion.

Back in 2023, the partnership behind the lab won the Public/Private Partnership Award at the prestigious EG Awards, beating off entries from London, Liverpool and Manchester.

The centrepiece of the current city lab is the Derby City Model – a detailed 3D model of Derby city centre, which aims to help visitors visualise the city’s ongoing regeneration story.

It also houses the City Living Room, which includes detailed information about the city’s investment pipeline, as well as a 300-year timeline of the city.

Visitors can also view the city of the future by watching a recently updated film all about the University of Derby’s Derby Urban Sustainable Transition (DUST) project.

To find out more about the Derby City Lab and to plan your visit go to https://derbycitylab.com/.