New outdoor venue and events space planned for Derby

Plans to transform a disused site in Derby city centre into an entertainment space and public garden have been submitted to the City Council.

Down to Earth Derby is proposing to reimagine the site near Sadler Gate and Bold Lane Car Park by creating a new outdoor venue complete with food outlets, outdoor dining areas, an events space and a nature-themed cocktail bar named Electric Daisy.

The plans – which have been submitted by Simon Foote Architects on behalf of the nature-based urban regeneration organisation – also include landscaped planting areas.

The scheme is being supported by the Eden Project, Marketing Derby and Katapult, which produced visuals to accompany the proposals.

The planning application calls for a change of use for a temporary period of 18 months.

Jamie Quince-Starkey, founder of Down to Earth Derby, said: “We are unbelievably proud and delighted to announce that were going forward with this project (subject to planning).

“We cannot wait to get this going and getting the spades in the ground in 2023.

“A massive thank you to all those who’ve supported and pushed this project to make it happen.

“The communication and network support from the Marketing Derby team has been an integral part of getting us this far – and the work by the Katapult crew has been outstanding.”

Quince-Starkey added: “The project and planning crew, made up of James Baker, James Thomson Simon Foote and Andy Leask, have been so generous.

“There are too many people to mention but thank you – all of you have been involved in bringing this project to this point.”