Unveiling of new blueprint for Derby City Centre's revamp
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Derby City Centre is set for a major transformation as the new City Centre Design Guide, part of the 'Towards A New Vision for Derby City Centre Ambition' document, published in 2022, is poised to shape the city's future. This ambitious plan, known as 'Derby MADE', envisions a vibrant, mixed-use community hub, encompassing a hotel, offices, civic, and cultural spaces [1].
The public consultation on these plans took place earlier in the year, and feedback is currently being reviewed and incorporated to refine the proposals ahead of forthcoming planning applications, expected during summer 2025 [1]. Residents can share their thoughts and opinions at drop-in sessions scheduled for Tuesday 22 October and Wednesday 13 November 2024, from 10am-4pm, at the City Lab, in Derbion. Additionally, two surveys have been created on the Let's Talk Derby website for gathering opinions on the city centre's new design, one of which asks for anonymous views [2]. The deadline for feedback on the surveys is at 5pm on Monday 13 January 2025.
The new design aims to support Derby's long-term plan for growth and make the city more sustainable. This is evident in the recently completed six new two-bedroom affordable homes, which feature high energy efficiency, including A-rated energy performance certificates, high insulation, air source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points [2]. These projects highlight Derby's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy consumption as part of the wider city regeneration strategy.
The consultation events and drop-in sessions are part of an ongoing process to involve the community in shaping the future of Derby City Centre. Councillor Nadine Peatfield encourages everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say on the future of Derby City Centre [3]. The launch of the new City Centre Design Guide is considered an essential part of Derby City Council's long-term strategy, as previously mentioned.
Notably, a £75m mixed-use project has started to convert two landmark Grade II listed buildings into over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space and 276 new build homes on Friar Gate Goods Yard [4]. The project, funded by Homes England, is a significant step towards achieving the city's long-term goals of economic growth, sustainability, improved connectivity (e.g. Station Quarter), and cultural enhancement [1].
For those interested in learning more about the technical sustainability commitments or upcoming consultations, the Derby City Lab or Derby City Council websites are excellent resources to monitor [5]. The new city centre design plans in Derby are set to reshape the city, fostering a more sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive community.
References: 1. Derby MADE 2. Derby City Council News 3. City Lab 4. Homes England 5. Let's Talk Derby
- In line with Derby's long-term vision, the new City Centre Design Guide aims to foster a lifestyle that promotes sustainable-living, transforming public spaces to include regenerated home-and-garden areas that promote energy-efficient practices.
- The 'Towards A New Vision for Derby City Centre Ambition' document, such as the ongoing redevelopment of Friar Gate Goods Yard, underscores Derby City Council's commitment to implementing a policy that prioritizes sustainable regeneration and mixed-use development within urban spaces.
- As part of Derby MADE's mission to create a vibrant, mixed-use community hub, stakeholders can anticipate the growth of a more livable city where public spaces will provide opportunities for both work and leisure, while supporting sustainable-living policies.
