University holds public consultation on business school plans

The University of Derby is due to submit plans for a new business school in the heart of the city after holding a public consultation.

The university recently invited the public to have say on its plans for the proposed development, which is set to be built on land adjacent to its One Friar Gate Square building which is home to its Law School.

The university, along with architects Stride Treglown, are now gathering together the feedback ahead of submitting a planning application to Derby City Council in January.

Following receipt of planning permission, the development is planned to start in November with the building set to open in September 2024.

The new business school is projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “The university is working to make this vision a reality – a brand new, future-focused Derby Business School, serving as an international centre of excellence.

“The proposed development aims to provide a central hub for our business students, researchers and academics – as well as the wider business community – where they can support new ideas and strategies for global business.”

Cora Kwiatkowski, divisional director and Stride Treglown’s sector head of higher education, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to be working closely with the University of Derby to design an inspiring new home for the Business School.

“This important new city centre development will strengthen the university’s civic role and presence in the city.

“We look forward to applying our experience of designing similar facilities and user-centred design principles to resolve the complex design brief and create a new sustainable world-class facility.”