Plans to redevelop Derby’s Market Place have been approved, taking the site a step closer to its complete transformation.
Derby City Council’s Planning Control Committee approved an outline planning application on Thursday evening, submitted by the Council’s strategic development partner Ion Developments.
The committee’s approval of the plans is a major milestone in the project, allowing the Council to now submit an application to discharge the planning conditions attached to the demolition of the former Assembly Rooms.
The Council will also formally enter into a contract with Ion Developments, who will bring forward the regeneration of the whole site. The Council’s Cabinet gave approval to enter into a development agreement earlier this year.
Plans for the site have been developed over the past few years, in consultation with residents, local organisations and key stakeholders, and include Derby MADE – a multi-use building on the site of the former Assembly Rooms, featuring a music venue, cultural / exhibition space, a young person and family library, and dedicated flexible working and meeting areas.
It also features proposals for Derby HOTEL, a full-service, four-star hotel, and Derby WORKS, new high-quality Grade A office space.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Strategy and Policy said:
To say that I’m thrilled, and very relieved, that these plans have finally been approved would be an understatement! It’s impossible to overstate just how momentous this milestone is for our city, allowing us to move forwards with the transformation of the site.
We’ve been listening closely to our residents and stakeholders. We know you want us to crack on, that is exactly what we are going to do. Getting this green light is a massive achievement for everyone involved, and I’d like to thank members of the Planning Control Committee for their diligence and support.
Together, let’s get this done and continue building a Derby to be proud of.
Steve Parry, Managing Director, Ion Developments added:
While the planning application has been progressing, our team has continued working closely with the Council and project partners on the detailed preparations needed to move quickly into delivery. Subject to the necessary further approvals, that advance work will help us maintain momentum and get activity under way on site at the earliest opportunity.
Once the planning conditions associated with the demolition of the Assembly Rooms have been removed, Ion Developments will begin preparing the site for demolition. This will include disconnecting utilities and creating a secure and safe working environment and will take number of weeks.
Demolition consent for the Assembly Rooms was granted in March 2024. Work to demolish the site is expected to take around 12 months. Once this is complete, work on the new buildings will begin.