Leader sets out her Derby Market Place vision

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield (Lab). Image by LDRS.

By Nigel Slater – Local Democracy Reporting Service

A proposed new city centre rooftop bar and restaurant will put Derby “on the map”, the city’s leader has said.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, set out her vision for the future of Derby’s Market Place after a “momentous” developer contract deal was agreed.

Labour leaders of the city say the formal appointment of Vinci UK Developments and Ion Developments as strategic development partners allows the authority to “crack on” with major regeneration plans.

Huge changes are planned for the Market Place once the demolition of the Assembly Rooms is complete – whenever that will be.

The abandoned building is expected to be replaced by several buildings including Derby MADE – a multi-use complex featuring a music venue, cultural / exhibition space, a young people and family library, and dedicated flexible working and meeting areas.

It could also include a rooftop bar and shops, according to previous reports.

Proposals also include the construction of Derby HOTEL – a four-star hotel, and Derby WORKS comprising Grade A office space.

Rooftop venue to put Derby ‘on the map’

Cllr Peatfield was asked if these proposals were what the people of Derby wanted.

She said: “I am confident the mixed use (building) is the future. You don’t see these huge buildings going up for just one thing, unless it’s a performance venue like we’ve seen.

“The fact we are using part of it for commercial – it could be chain restaurants that people have wanted to see for a long time. 

“A rooftop restaurant – how attractive would that be for visitors and locals alike to be able to enjoy the view across Derby?

“It’s a first for our city and it’s something that will really put us on the map, along with other cities which have attractions like that.”

Cllr Peatfield also shared a vision of having a top class library in the Market Place. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) she wanted it to be a “library of excellence”.

But crucially she said it was vital for the regeneration to become a place people can stay for long periods and be safe.

Ms Peatfield added: “It’s vital we have spaces in the city that feel safe and spaces that are affordable or free. There is not enough of that around the city to encourage you to stay all day. 

“That’s why the Market Hall investment was so important – because that is another one of those safe and free places. People do use it – they even go there on their own and feel safe. 

“Our museums are another one of those spaces – so adding another space like that which is free and safe is really important for people to stay longer in between shopping and entertainment.” 

‘Homework done’ on music venue plans

Concerns have been reported about the idea of a 400-capacity music venue within the Market Place. The owner of city centre music venue Hairy Dog Paul Keenan said footfall was struggling.

Cllr Peatfield said the music venue would be commercially run and not directly by the council.

She said: “In terms of the music venue – we’ve done our homework. We’ve looked at all the sizes of venues across the city. Speaking to Vaillant Live, there venue can house performances and audiences from the thousands upwards. They have got that area covered.

“We want the music venue to compliment, not be competitive with the rest of the music scene in Derby.”

The money side of things

So what is the situation money wise?

The cost to redevelop the Market Place currently stands at around £100 million. The cost is split with 60 per cent being publicly funded and the remaining 40 per cent coming from the private sector.

Ms Peatfield was asked if the money was available to spend right now.

The leader responded: “The developers and ourselves have had extensive conversations with investors and operators and we are confident we are in a place to move forward.” 

The planning application detailing all the proposals is expected to be decided in the coming weeks.