MP praises city’s regeneration efforts during parliamentary debate

An MP has heaped praise on efforts to regenerate Derby city centre in a special parliamentary debate.

Last week, in the House of Commons, Catherine Atkinson, the MP for Derby North, secured a debate called City and Town Centres: Regeneration.

It saw MPs discuss the future of city and town centres – and what more could be done to reinvent them, add vibrancy and increase footfall.

Speaking at the debate, Catherine talked about creating city and town centres, which are “fit for the future”.

She said: “In Derby, we are proud of our city – of what we make, of our history and of our creativity. We want our city centre to reflect that.

“We must have public spaces in every town and city that people can feel proud of and safe in and want to come to.”

She also stressed how important creating an attractive centre was to driving economic growth.

She told the debate: “An attractive centre means that we are more likely to visit and spend time, invest or start a business, work or study, or permanently move to the area – all essential to that elusive agglomeration effect that drives economic growth, attracting talented people and providing a space for them to share knowledge.

“That is what we are doing with major regeneration schemes in Derby.”

Catherine shared with fellow MPs details of a number of major schemes, which would help transform Derby city centre – including the 3,500-capacity Becketwell Live performance venue, which is due to open next year.

She also spoke about how Wavensmere Homes had recently started work on transforming Friar Gate Goods Yard – a site which had lain derelict for more than 50 years.

And she mentioned the University of Derby’s new Business School, which is due to open in 2025.

Catherine said: “Derby is this year’s No. 1 city for new graduates, with an average graduate salary of more than £40,000—the second-highest outside London, according to recruitment experts Talos360.

“For those reasons, Derby is attracting a lot of inward investment. I pay tribute to the leadership of Derby City Council leader, Nadine Peatfield – and, before that, of my hon. Friend the Member for Derby South (Baggy Shanker) – in driving regeneration forward.

“I also thank the Minister for listening to the case that we made for the restoration of the historic Guildhall Theatre and the redevelopment of Derby Theatre, and for the £20 million that we now have to take that forward.

“It is exciting to be part of transforming the city centre with Marketing Derby and the business investment district: our city centre businesses pulling together.”