Eastern Gateway scheme set to take ‘significant’ step forward

Plans to improve the eastern side of Derby city centre look set to take a significant step forward this week.

On Wednesday, Derby City Council’s cabinet approved final funding and delivery arrangements so work can start on the Eastern Gateway scheme.

The project, which is part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, will add extra shops and leisure outlets and create a new public boulevard to transform the area opposite the bus station and the eastern entrance to Derbion.

Councillor Steve Hassall, the city council’s cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport, said: “We’re really excited to see the improvements planned around East Street, which will create a new gateway into the heart of our city centre, joining up our main shopping locations with the refurbished Market Hall.

“Changes like these are vital to improve the vibrancy of our city and to really showcase what Derby has to offer.”

In a statement, Derbion, which will deliver the scheme, said: “We continue to explore opportunities across the whole of our estate to bring new brands and experiences to Derbion, and to create a vibrant and attractive destination that brings even more visitors to Derby city centre.”

The city council was awarded £15 million by the Government back in December 2020, following a successful Future High Streets Fund bid to support the recovery of the city centre.

Around £5 million of this funding has been allocated to the Eastern Gateway scheme.

A share of the funding has also been invested in refurbishing the city’s Grade II-listed Market Hall into an attractive, flexible retail and leisure destination fit for the 2020s and beyond, which will be completed in 2024.

Councillor Hassall said: “Future High Streets funding has been pivotal for the changes we want to make in this area of Derby, to create a more vibrant and attractive space.

“The funding provides a substantial financial boost for the heart of the city centre and will help to shape the future of how Derby residents and visitors use this space.

“The Eastern Gateway scheme forms part of an exciting future vision for Derbion, contributing further to the vibrancy and attractiveness of the city centre.”

The city council’s business case for the Eastern Gateway estimates that the regeneration will create new jobs, drive additional footfall and support the ongoing recovery of the city centre.

Derbion said it hopes to submit a formal planning application for the Eastern Gateway scheme later this year, with completion of the scheme expected in late 2024.