Why 2025 will be Derby’s ‘Olympic year’

The Olympic Games may be taking place in Paris this year – but according to Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of Derby City Council, 2025 is set to be Derby’s “Olympic year”.

In conversation with Bob Betts, chairman of Marketing Derby, at this year’s Annual Business Event, Councillor Shanker outlined the reasons why 2025 is set to be a big year for the city.

According to Councillor Shanker a number of major developments are set to come online that year – and in front of a packed Annual Business Event he discussed some of those schemes.

Many of these developments will enhance the city centre, bringing more footfall and vibrancy.

Councillor Shanker told the ABE: “We need to create a vibrant city centre – a place where people can shop, live, work and go out. And it’s happening right now in front of us.

“2025 is Derby’s “Olympic” year. That’s why it’s so important that we all work together and drive the city centre forward.”

A major project is the 3,500-capacity performance venue, at Becketwell, which is currently being constructed by Bowmer + Kirkland.

Once the £45 million building is handed over during the first quarter of 2025, the venue will be operated by ASM Global, a world-leading venue management company, whose UK portfolio includes OVO Arena Wembley, AO Arena (Manchester), and Olympia and OVO Hydro (Glasgow).

Hosting over 200 cultural and commercial events each year, the venue is expected to attract an additional 250,000 visitors to Derby, create over 200 new local jobs, and increase levels of investment in surrounding areas of the city centre.

Councillor Shanker said: “The performance venue is already created a real buzz in the city centre.

“The steelwork is almost complete and by the end of January next year, construction will be completed. It is being constructed by Bowmer + Kirkland, who in the past have reliably delivered major projects for us like Moorways Sports Village and Water Park and Derby Arena.

“ASM Global is the biggest operator in the world – and for them to come and operate our new performance venue is a massive statement.”

From the new to the old, Councillor Shanker also discussed the future of the old Assembly Rooms site, which has stood vacant for a decade.

Recently, the city council announced a partnership involving VINCI Developments UK and ION Developments as its preferred strategic development partner.

It will now work with the council – as well as the local community – to develop initial plans for a revitalised ‘cultural quarter’, which includes a new cultural, commercial, and creative public space, which would be located on the site of the old Assembly Rooms.

Councillor Shanker said: “VINCI and ION are both world-leading investment partners and regeneration specialists. It’s great news that they’re onboard.

“Over the next few months, they will be working up the details of what might go on that site.”

Over on the other side of the Market Place, work is progressing on the transformation of the city’s historic Market Hall, which is due to reopen in spring 2025.

The transformed Market Hall, which is undergoing a £35 million revamp, aims to offer a curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce.

It will have ‘make and trade’ stalls, creative space, cosmopolitan food court and bars, a co-working space and events and pop-up activities.

Councillor Shanker said: “I was in the Market Hall the other week and it’s looking fantastic. The structural work to protect the integrity of the building is all now complete.

“What we’ve done is take a bit of time to make sure the offer of what will be inside the Market Hall is right. It’s got to be what the people of Derby – and beyond – want.

“We’re asking for businesses from all over to show their interest and be part of this really exciting scheme.”

Finally, Councillor Shanker gave an update on a scheme known as the Eastern Gateway, which aims to radically improve the eastern side of Derby city centre.

The project, which is part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, will add extra shops and leisure outlets and create a new public boulevard to transform the area opposite the bus station and the eastern entrance to Derbion.

The plans involve the removal of a section of the former Eagle Market building and the Castle and Falcon pub, opening up the streetscape and creating a vibrant new space.

Councillor Shanker said: “We got some money from government – for which we asked for a change in how it is invested.

“So, we’ve split it up into two parts – Eastern Gateway Derbion and Eastern Gateway Cathedral Quarter.

“We will use that money to demolish the Castle and Falcon and create some public realm there and make it a lot more attractive – and improve the offer around the Cathedral Quarter, to create vibrancy and drive footfall.”