Work is set to begin on transforming the Derby in Bloom display on Pentagon Island into a vibrant, eco-friendly gateway to the city centre.

Derby City Council is working in partnership with the St Peter’s Quarter and Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Down to Earth Derby to reimagine the prominent site. The project focuses on a new native planting scheme designed to support wildlife and make the area more welcoming.

Reimagining the site with native species will provide a unique opportunity to transform a major city entrance into a healthy green space that gives back to the local environment while supporting the city’s climate goals. The project will also include the creation of a mural on the wall beside the bridge.

Supporting local businesses and boosting city vibrancy are also central to the project’s aims, creating an attractive and welcoming route into the city.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said:

Pentagon Island is one of the main entrances to our city, passed by thousands of residents and visitors every day. By partnering with our local BIDs and Down to Earth Derby, we’ve found a practical, cost-effective way to care for this site long-term.

This project does more than restore a cherished display; it creates a green, sustainable space that supports wildlife, helps us meet our climate goals, and offers a warm welcome everyone in Derby can be proud of.”

The new layout will feature native trees and shrubs like hawthorn, field maple, and wild privet, along with colourful wildflowers such as foxglove, ox-eye daisy, and red campion. Because these plants naturally belong in local soil and weather conditions, they grow easily and require less routine care than traditional garden plants.

Native trees and shrubs also support hundreds of insect species, which in turn sustain birds and bats that people rarely get to see in busy city areas.

Brad Worley, Manager for the Derby Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs, said:

This project is about creating a positive first impression for everyone arriving in Derby. Pentagon Island is one of the city's busiest gateways, and by transforming it into a greener, more attractive space we can help showcase the pride, ambition and sense of place that make Derby special. We're delighted to be working alongside Derby City Council and Down to Earth Derby to bring this vision to life."

Work on the site will begin on Tuesday 11 August. A temporary lane closure will be put in place to keep workers and drivers safe, with the inside lane closed from 9:30am until 2:30pm Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 August.

After the initial planting, the team will return every Spring and Autumn for seasonal tidy-ups to keep the area looking its best.