Derby Assembly Rooms moves to next phase following independent review

Planners have approved designs for the next phase of the revamped Derby Assembly Rooms following an independent review of the project.

Derby City Council will now begin working on the next stage of the development and has renewed its commitment to delivering the venue, which is being rebuilt after the original was badly damaged by a fire in 2014, at the agreed budget of £24 million.

Perfect Circle initially forecast a completion date of autumn 2020 but extended the project timeline over the summer, leading the Council to bring in specialist external consultants to conduct a review.

As a result, Derby City Council and Perfect Circle have come up with a revised timeline and the Council has appointed a new external project manager to oversee the works.

Work on the building is now expected to conclude in November 2021.

Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council, said: “Obtaining planning consent is an important milestone for this project and I’m delighted that the first contractors will be on site as soon as next month.

“We are committed to getting the new improved Assembly Rooms open as the Council’s number one city centre priority. We are working collaboratively with project partners to ensure that everything practicably possible will be done to see the venue open as soon as possible.

“As a consequence of our robust intervention into this project, I am confident that the new and improved Assembly Rooms will be delivered and act as a catalyst for the continued regeneration of Derby. The benefits for our local economy and businesses will be significant as well as offering a superb conference and events venue for residents and visitors to enjoy a varied and exciting programme for many years to come.”