Plans revealed for Derby Assembly Rooms site

The site of the disused Derby Assembly Rooms could be used for pop-up markets or events while long-term development plans are evaluated, according to new plans released by the City Council.

The move comes after the council revealed plans earlier this year for a new 3,500-capacity venue in the Becketwell area of the city.

The council sasy it hopes that a long-term development opportunity can be delivered in time that the shorter-term outdoor event space option isn’t needed. However, having the plans in place will mean the prime site will be contributing to city centre at the earliest opportunity.

Ideas for the future development of the assembly rooms site are currently being worked up by the Council and key partners.

Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council, said: “We did our very best to bring the Assembly Rooms back into use, but with costs increasing to over £33 million we could no longer justify best value to the taxpayer or have confidence it wouldn’t increase further.

“Due to strong political oversight of the project, we were able to make that sensible decision prior to being contractually committed.

“That is why we are pursuing a brand new 3,500-seater concert and entertainments venue at Becketwell. This is a very exciting prospect for Derby, delivered in partnership with the private sector.

“However this means we also now need to regenerate The Assembly Rooms site and to do that means we need a blank canvass to pursue what comes next.

“We already working on options for permanent long term redevelopment but we also are have exiting plans so that the site can be used until then for a range of uses including varied outdoor markets, pop up retail, green space, food, drink and events.

“This will ensure, as we promised, that the site is not left as ‘a hole in the ground‘ or a boarded off, something that we know is a concern for local businesses and City residents and for the council.

“I hope that everyone can get behind these plans as we are determined to create vibrancy and help drive our recovery forward so Derby can continue to prosper.”