Derby’s £45.8m entertainment hub reaches key milestone

Derby’s new £45.8m entertainment and conference venue has reached another milestone as the auditorium starts to take shape.

In just five months since the main contractors, Bowmer + Kirkland, arrived, the steelwork and rows of concrete steps are visibly forming the tiered seating area. They’re also assembling a steel gantry for lighting and technical gear, weighing about 200 tonnes.

The new venue in Derby is set to host over 200 events annually, attracting 250,000 more visitors to the city and creating 200 local jobs.

Owned by Derby City Council, it will be operated by ASM Global, known for managing venues like OVO Arena Wembley.

Completion is expected at the start of 2025, slightly delayed from the initial plan.

With a 3,500 capacity, it’s part of the £200m Becketwell regeneration, led by St James Securities.

The first phase, including The Condor and Springwell Square, is already open, with future phases including a hotel, more housing, and student accommodation.

Bowmer +Kirkland contracts manager, Stephen Green said: “This is an exciting milestone as the purpose of the building is now starting to reveal itself. Despite the recent inclement weather, construction is on the programme and we are delighted to be working with all our project partners to bring such an exciting development to Derby and
the wider region.”

Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities, said: “It’s great to see the new entertainment venue taking shape in front of our eyes. This fantastic venue will offer a larger, more flexible space than Derby has had in the past and will collaborate with and complement the activities of Derby Arena to provide the best possible events programme for Derby and the wider region.”