Major new performance venue gets green light

Derby’s ambition to get a new entertainment and events venue has moved a step closer after detailed planning consent was granted by Derby City Council.

At a meeting of the Derby City Council planning committee held last night (October 7), councillors voted in favour of plans for the 3,500 capacity performance venue on the site of the former Pennine Hotel, Pink Coconut nightclub and Laurie House offices, subject to a change to a condition.

The plans were submitted by Leeds-based developers St James Securities, who are building out the wider £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme.

The performance venue, which will be delivered as part of phase two of the scheme, will be owned by Derby City Council and managed by ASM Global.

The main auditorium will have a maximum capacity of 3,500 and offer a range of different event configurations including a fully seated layout for up to 2,100.

Along with a concert and entertainment programme, the venue will also host a wide range of business events.

Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities said: “To receive consent from the planning committee highlights the significance of bringing a venue of this kind to Derby and will be a real game changer for the city.

“The confidence shown in Derby by world-leading operator ASM Global will provide the impetus to attract further investment to the city.

“This decision also strengthens the link between culture and regeneration and will play a key role in Derby’s bid for City of Culture 2025.

“These are exciting times for Derby. We look forward to working alongside Derby City Council and our other private sector partners to deliver a scheme that will revitalise a long-neglected area of the city and contribute to improving the overall vibrancy and attraction of the city centre.”