Green light given to Debenhams demolition

Plans to demolish the former Debenhams site in the Becketwell area of Derby city centre have been approved.

Derby City Council says the demolition of the former department store, which was vacated by Debenhams in 2007, will be a “key milestone” and “help to remove the obstacles” that have faced the regeneration of the area.

The demolition and land purchase costs are being funded by Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) D2N2 has invested £8.1m into the Becketwell regeneration as part of their work to promote economic growth in the region.

The Council began its regeneration plans in 2014 with the acquisition of Duckworth Square, followed by the former Debenhams store and ancillary properties in 2017 and more recently seven buildings on Colyear Street.

Initial site works are planned to begin in spring 2019 with the first redevelopment of Becketwell area anticipated to commence in 2020.