City centre regeneration projects land £15m funding boost

Two major city centre regeneration projects have taken a step closer after a £15m funding boost.

Derby City Council has approved plans to earmark the Future High Streets Funding for the Market Hall and Eastern Gateway.

Derby was awarded £15m by the Government last December, following its successful Future High Streets Fund bid. The grant is designed to help renew and reshape town centres and high streets across the country with the aims of driving growth, ensuring future sustainability and improving general visitor experience.

In Derby, the funding will be invested in redeveloping the Market Hall and to create a new gateway to the city centre. The Eastern Gateway will transform the entrance to the Eagle Market, creating a welcoming arrival from the bus station. Public realm improvements will be undertaken with remaining funds.

Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transportation, said: “Our city centre has faced some tough challenges and these essential interventions will create a better connected, more diverse offer that will rejuvenate our high streets so they can thrive and flourish. Successful city centres are the ones able to combine great retail and leisure offerings with residential and business use. All of this will help bring prosperity to Derby and build on our strong COVID recovery plans.”