Changes planned for Derby’s Pentagon Island

The green area at Pentagon Island. Pictures from 2024. Images by Google Maps.

Work is due to start to improve the appearance of one of Derby’s busiest roundabouts – and bringing back the “Derby In Bloom” display.

Derby City Council and partners are working to transform the green area around Pentagon Island, which thousands of motorists pass by each day.

The news comes a year after its current overgrown appearance was likened to “Jurassic Park” when the “Derby in Bloom” display had become “non-existent”.

The Labour-led council is working closely with Electric Daisy owner Jamie Quince-Starkey from Down to Earth Derby and St Peter’s Quarter and Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to make improvements in the coming days.

Work starts on Tuesday (August 11th) with a temporary lane closure in place for the remainder of the week between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

The council says the project focuses “on a new native planting scheme designed to support wildlife and make the area more welcoming”.

A new layout will bring the “Derby In Bloom” display back into people’s view and feature native trees and shrubs with colourful wildflowers.

Work will also include creating a mural on the wall beside the bridge.

The work will add to the council’s efforts in improving public areas of the city centre so far, including Corporation Street and Becketwell.

More efforts to improve the appearance of the city centre have also been earmarked, such as a revamp of Sadler Gate and the potential pedestrianisation of The Strand.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, cabinet member for Streetpride, hailed the Pentagon Island project as “great news for Derby”

He 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.”

Mr Quince-Starkey said he hopes the project will “put a smile on people’s faces”.

He said: “We are massive about Derby, we love the city and want to make it a greener and more attractive place.

“We know the Derby In Bloom feature is something people want to see back, as it’s kind of overgrown now.

“We’ve come up with a plan to re-establish the Derby In Bloom with some extra stuff to put a smile on people’s faces as they travel to and out of the city centre.”

Last year, Councillor Steve Hassall said he received concerns about the appearance of Pentagon Island.

He said: “The most prominent gateway into our city at the Pentagon Island, the one that greets thousands of visitors on a daily basis, looks like Jurassic Park.”