Money for massive Derby train station improvements

Derby Railway Station and surrounding area (Credit: LDRS)

Millions of pounds have been allocated to help “kickstart” big plans to transform the area surrounding Derby railway station.

A new report says investment of £3.5m has been allocated to Derby on city centre projects, including an “initial focus” on developing its plans for the “Station Quarter”.

Major changes could see the station’s frontage on Railway Terrace, next to Midland Road, regenerated. This could include the creation of a large walkway guiding visitors from the station to the city centre.

More significant changes could include expanding the station, building new offices on both sides of the station, and creating new homes.

There are also initial plans for a new multi-storey car park on the Pride Park side of the station.

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield has been critical of the appearance around the station.

When the plans first emerged, the Labour councillor said: “Our current station entrance and arrival experience doesn’t do our city justice.”

Her comments came when it was reported there were street drinking problems around the area, which caused concerns from surrounding businesses.

But rail passengers speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) on Friday morning said they were impressed by the surroundings.

Margaret Duncan, (pictured right) who was visiting Derby from Long Eaton, said: “You are going to get street drinkers in any city – that’s the way it is these days. I’m from Glasgow and that is a huge city.

“There is so much history here. There is beautiful architecture such as the gorgeous Waterfall building. I don’t feel unwelcome.”

Adam Barley, a Yorkshire resident, was visiting Derby for the first time and said he was impressed: “I like it, I’m impressed. It looks clean. The front entrance looks good. There’s a sign map here which tells people where to go, so I don’t see any issue.”

Surj, who was on his way to Warrington to attend a concert, also gave the area the thumbs up.

He said: “To be honest, I think it looks alright. When you walk from the city centre there are lots of new buildings – so it is better now than what it used to be.”

Initial details of the major proposals were revealed in a 150-page council report around 18 months ago.

Council bosses stated in the master-plan document that there was now an opportunity “to revitalise this area and create a vibrant new quarter that reinvigorates historic buildings, encourages innovation, and provides the space for local businesses to thrive”.

The city council say an agreed allocation of £3.5m from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) will help boost the early phases of the Station Quarter transformation and will “provide a catalyst to leverage private sector investment and kick start regeneration”.

The money will also contribute to other major city centre regeneration projects, such as Becketwell, Market Place and Northern Gateway, where the former Queens Leisure Centre is located.

Speaking about the plans for regeneration investment across Derby, Councillor Peatfield said: “Our partnership with EMCCA is transforming how we invest in our city to deliver the best outcomes for our residents.

“At the cabinet (meeting), 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.”