UKREiiF to get insight into city centre’s transformation

Delegates at this year’s UKREiiF will be able to get the lowdown on major plans to revitalise Derby city centre.

Among the Team Derby contingent this year will be representatives from VINCI Developments UK and ION Developments.

Back in February, the two companies were announced as Derby City Council’s preferred strategic development partner.

They are now working with the council, businesses and community stakeholders to develop their vision and design for the regeneration of the city centre.

The revitalised ‘cultural heart of the city’ will offer a range of leisure, commercial and community facilities, connected to a new business and residential district, incorporating the Bold Lane area and Northern Quarter.

The plans for the former Assembly Rooms site involve a multi-functional building, with spaces for meeting, working, and creating above restaurant and commercial space, to enhance the city centre offer.

The plans are set in a redesigned and enhanced Market Place, which will become a focal point for the city and will create new and improved green spaces, including ‘pocket parks’ to support relaxation and wellbeing.

At this year’s MIPIM, Graham Lambert, managing director at VINCI and Steve Parry, managing director at ION, gave a presentation about the role they will be playing in shaping the city centre’s future, at special breakfast event organised by Team Derby.

At that presentation, a new CGI showing what development on the Market Place and adjacent area could look like.

Speaking at the time, Mr Lambert said: “Derby as a city has much to offer and potential to be harnessed.

“We share the ambition of the council, the local community and businesses, in seeking to revitalise the cultural core of the city.

“The council has laid the foundation for this, and we will create community led assets, flexible and diverse spaces and a quality business district that compliments the inward investment in the city.”

Mr Parry said: “We are delighted to be selected alongside VINCI Developments to work up these exciting plans for Derby City Council and the people and businesses of Derby.

“Together, we will use our extensive experience to create a thriving city centre location that offers a blend of cultural, community, and commercial space to meet Derby’s needs, both now and long into the future.”