Partnership behind Derby City Lab up for national honours

The partnership behind the Derby City Lab has been shortlisted for a prestigious national real estate award.

The lab, which is a collaboration between Marketing Derby, Derby City Council, the University of Derby, Lathams and Clowes Developments, has been shortlisted in the Public/Private Partnership Award category at this year’s EG Awards.

The awards, organised by leading property and investment magazine Estates Gazette, are designed to celebrate the cream of the real estate sector, recognising best deals, developments, places to work and upcoming talent.

The Public/Private Partnership Award seeks to celebrate partnerships between the public and private sector that are delivering solutions through real estate.

As well as the Public/Private Partnership Award, Derby itself has been shortlisted for City of the Year at this year’s EG Awards, competing against other finalists Birmingham and Cardiff.

Speaking at the recent Derby Property Summit, Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of the city council, said: “We have heard how many cities face similar challenges and that solutions lie in creating innovative collaborations.

“That is why I was delighted to hear that Derby had been shortlisted by Estates Gazette as City of the Year and also for Public-Private-Partnership of the Year.

“Both seem so appropriate to me, my council and to this summit.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories, which shows how far we have come as a destination for investment and reflects so positively on our partnerships.

“The City of the Year Award nomination is down to delivery resulting from the hard work of many people over many years. The city’s strong public-private partnership ethos is hardwired into the Derby City Lab.”

Kevin McFarlane, associate director at Clowes Developments, said: “As a city centre property owner we are aware of the challenges across the city.

“Working together with Marketing Derby on the City Lab project ensures we are involved with curating the future of the city.

“It is a true public and private sector partnership, with collaboration from Derby City Council, the University of Derby and Lathams.”

The winners of the EG Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Tuesday October 17.