Plans to pedestrianise historic Derby street as part of big city centre changes

A proposal is in place for The Strand in Derby city centre to be pedestrianised. Image by Derby City Council.

A well-known and historic Derby street could be pedestrianised.

A new report shows a long-term project by Derby City Council could be in the making to turn The Strand into a pedestrian-only road.

One of the aims behind the proposal is to improve footfall on the Victorian street, with the Derby Museum and Art Gallery at its corner and night-time venues nearby.

The 75-page report states that the area surrounding the Strand “holds many cultural destinations but a lack of fluidity in the connections between them”.

The plans are part of a new strategy to improve public spaces at key sites around the city centre.

It features a list of significant changes which could happen. Some of these include:

• Making the Wardwick a two-way road
• Relocating the memorial garden from Corporation Street to Cathedral Green
• Narrowing the carriageway at Full Street and removing parking
• Creating a new entry to the River Gardens by the Council House and “extending” the River Gardens
• “Opportunity for a flexible event space and water feature” near the Museum of Making
• Improving public spaces around Markeaton Brook

The council says “first phase” projects will include improvements to St James Street, Sadler Gate and the Friar Gate area around St Werburgh’s Church.

There are also plans to improve areas around the new Vaillant performance venue, which could see changes at Macklin Street and a potential redesign of Monk Street.

A “colourful” revamp of Willow Row next to Derby College is also part of the proposals to help attract more footfall.

The strategy to date has been shaped by residents, businesses, and visitors who shared feedback during public consultations earlier this year.

The whole range of plans is set to move forward at a Derby City Council cabinet meeting next Wednesday (August 5th).

Labour leaders of the local authority are recommended to “approve the governance structure for delivering all city centre public realm
projects”.

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said: “High-quality public realm plays a vital role in shaping the character and success of a city centre. 

“By improving the way that our spaces are designed and managed, the strategy will encourage people to spend more time in the city centre, support local businesses, and showcase our city’s heritage.”

The strategy report can be viewed from the Derby City Council website, on its Democracy Portal, where it details items for discussion for Wednesday’s cabinet meeting (August 5th 2026).