Derby City Council is working with East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to develop a new investment programme for the city, with the regeneration of Duckworth Square leading the way. Cabinet will meet on Thursday 13 May, where they will vote to formalise this new collaborative pipeline.

As part of this new approach, EMCCA is working with Derby City Council to deliver a long-term, place-based investment strategy that will create jobs and revitalise the city centre.

The Council is now working with EMCCA to develop a programme of investment for Derby that will have the maximum impact on the city’s growth and the regional economy. The key themes that will be considered for this programme are:

  • City centre regeneration: Focusing on the Market Place, Becketwell, Station Quarter, Riverside and Northern Gateway
  • The East Midlands Investment Zone: Featuring Infinity Park Derby and South Derby Growth Zone, which will serve as a hub for nuclear and advanced manufacturing
  • Economic growth: Supporting Derby businesses, helping firms start, grow and innovate, and attracting new investment to the city
  • Culture and the Visitor Economy: Working with EMCCA to develop Visit East Midlands and strengthen Derby’s culture and tourism offer
  • Connectivity and Infrastructure: Strengthening transport and active travel connections between residential neighbourhoods and key employment and education hubs.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: 

Our partnership with EMCCA is transforming how we invest in our city to deliver the best outcomes for our residents. At Cabinet, we will consider these changes that will move us away from the resource-heavy bidding process, into a long-term regeneration partnership that provides a steady stream of funding to deliver a Derby to be proud of.

The new investment pipeline includes £2m of enabling works to transform Duckworth Square, which will be discussed for approval at the meeting.

The £2m investment, earmarked in EMCCA’s Investment Fund, will cover site investigations and preparation for redevelopment. This will clear the way for delivering Grade A office space in the city centre with the aim of attracting nationally significant businesses and organisations to Derby, and helping unlock additional development and employment opportunities in and around the city centre.

Councillor Peatfield added:

The Becketwell regeneration scheme has already delivered a new public square, high-quality housing, and the state-of-the-art venue – Vaillant Live – in the heart of the city. By preparing Duckworth Square for redevelopment, we are clearing the way for the next addition to the scheme and showing investors that Derby is ready for them.

Duckworth Square has been shortlisted as one of the two potential headquarters of Great British Railways, alongside Midland House. A final decision is expected before the end of the year.

Cabinet will also be asked to give authority to accept up to £250,000 in feasibility funding, delegated by the EMCCA to support the design and development of investment projects for the city. This work can include cost consultancy, design work, business case development and project management time.