River boat trips set to move a step closer

Plans to hold river boat trips on Derby’s River Derwent are set to move a step closer when Derby City Council’s Cabinet meets today.

A report going to the Cabinet will ask members to agree to fund improvements to riverbank infrastructure, which will pave the way for a river boat to begin passenger trips.

The river has not been navigable for more than 100 years, but that is set to change with the introduction of commercial boat trips on the river by Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust in its riverboat, called Outram.

The trust is run by volunteers and the council has been playing a supporting role in its venture.

Since its successful launch into the river from Cathedral Green, the Outram has been undergoing trials, with the aim of commencing passenger trips during this summer.

Work set to be funded by the council includes a new access platform at Phoenix Green in the city centre, permanent mooring and signage to support the operation of boat trips, and also improvements in lighting, access and safety railings, which will open up the riverside area and make it more accessible for pedestrians.

Paul Simpson, the city council’s chief executive, said: “The start of the Outram boat trips is the first step towards unlocking our river’s potential.

“The River Derwent is a wonderful natural amenity, which could be a real selling point for Derby.

“In a sense, the city turned its back on the river when it was no longer needed for industry, but we could let this natural asset lead regeneration, as many other cities have done.

“Plans to create new greenspace around Stuart Street and Phoenix Street will also create attractive public space as part of the Our City Our River scheme to alleviate the flood risk.

“In the longer term, we can look at opening up more space for potential riverside developments, for possible housing, recreation and hospitality, as well as linking to major developments downstream, such as SEGRO SmartParc Spondon.”