Stellar year for Derbion as it attracts over £5m of new investment

Bosses at Derbion have been reflecting on a stellar year in which the retail and leisure destination attracted more than £5 million of investment.

During 2023, a total of 13 new brands opened their doors at the centre, including three new restaurants in its recently refurbished Food Terrace, which is now fully let following a £2 million investment by Derbion.

It also continued to expand its breadth of retailers this year, attracting new names, while a number of existing retailers invested in store expansions.

Altogether, the new lettings, store upsizes and refurbishments which took place during 2023 equate to £5.2 million of investment.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “Since we transferred to new independent ownership in 2021 we have successfully delivered a strong leasing strategy that has transformed the centre with a wide range of leading retail and leisure brands, and this year has been no exception.

“We continue to broaden our offer for customers through new and exciting openings and expanded stores in addition to playing an important role in our wider community and the city of Derby.

“Leasing momentum continues into 2024 and we’re looking forward to announcing our next phase of lettings in the new year.”

In terms of its food and drink offer, Derbion welcomed the addition of Chi, Tortilla and Villa Express, while Subway and GDK invested in their presence at the centre through a refit and relocation.

In terms of retailers, this year saw the arrival of global cosmetics retailer Rituals and lifestyle brand MINISO alongside travel operator TUI and iconic fragrance company Yankee Candle.

Independent fashion retailer 1NE also opened at Derbion afte winning the centre’s Hatch initiative, which supports small business owners.

Alongside new lettings, more than £3 million has been invested by existing retailers through refurbishments and store upsizes.

Luxury watch and jewellery retailer Goldsmiths revamped its showroom, extending its footprint by 1,000 sq ft. It will open a second store before Christmas featuring Breiting, Tudor and Omega brands.

And jeweller Beaverbrooks increased its store to 1,628 sq ft, introducing a new standalone TAG Heuer boutique.

The centre’s longer-term development plan also took a step forward in 2023, with planning permission granted for the Derbion Masterplan, subject to approval by the Secretary of State.

The Masterplan is an ambitious framework for the next 10 years and beyond.

Proposals include new homes and commercial uses alongside public spaces and walkable streets to integrate these sites with the rest of Derby city centre and improve connections with the River Derwent.

Meanwhile, Derbion has been playing a key role in supporting the local community – and backing initiatives to bring more footfall to the city centre.

Beth said: “Our Derbion Cares charitable initiatives have included our hugely popular school uniform swap shop, designed to support families across Derbyshire with the rising cost of uniforms.

“This year we have also continued our sponsorship of the flagship running event, the Derbion Ramathon, alongside supporting the fantastic Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral, all helping to bring wider footfall to the city centre.”