Outdoor street food destination wins approval

Plans for an outdoor artisan food and beverage offer in Derby city centre have been given the green light.

Known as The Yard Derby, it will be created on an empty plot of land at St Peter’s Churchyard.

The scheme involves creating 10 retail units arranged in an ‘L-shaped’ configuration along the southern and western edges of the site.

The plans, which have been devised by Burton Abbey Developments, also incorporate a seating area with a capacity for up to 100 people.

Steve Wardle, from Burton Abbey Developments, said: “We are ready to start on site this summer, with completion expected next summer to tie in with the other exciting projects opening in Derby in 2025.”

In the run up to the application being considered by Derby City Council, the scheme received strong backing from the city’s business community – including Marketing Derby and the Derby Economic Development Advisory Committee.

John Forkin, managing director at Marketing Derby, said: “Marketing Derby is delighted that the city council has finally approved this investment, which will create a vibrant food and beverage offer in one of the city centre’s regeneration priority areas.

“It will help lift the area, support its heritage, as well as complement the council’s own substantial investment into the nearby Performance Venue. It’s exactly the sort of thing Derby has been crying out for.”

The scheme’s backers also included respected heritage architects Lathams as well as historian Maxwell Craven, both of whom carried out detailed analysis of the site.

Mr Wardle said: “I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Jon Phipps and the team at Lathams, John Forkin, Amy Burton and all at Marketing Derby, Brad Worley and St Peter’s Quarter BID, Maxwell Craven, and all those who have supported me.”