Derby City Council has appointed Vinci UK Developments and Ion Developments as its partners on creating a masterplan for regenerating the city centre.
The council set out its intention last year to work with development partners to devise a masterplan for several city centre sites. The duo were chosen via the Pagabo developer-led framework.
Initial plans include a revitalised cultural quarter offering a range of leisure, commercial and community facilities, connected to a new business and residential district, incorporating the Bold Lane area and the Northern Quarter.
Within the proposed plans is a new cultural, commercial and creative public space located on the site of the former Assembly Rooms.
A redesigned Market Place will form the focal point for the city, with improved green spaces and “pocket parks”.
The scheme also aims to create “green and blue corridors” to improve connectivity between open spaces, such as Cathedral Green and the River Derwent.
The partnership will work with the council, local businesses and other stakeholders over the next six months to develop and submit its proposals.
Nadine Peatfield, deputy leader and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “Derby is a city of growth and economic significance, representing a regional economy of around £15bn, but despite all this our city centre does not reflect our status as an industry leader.
“We are on a journey to transform Derby into a vibrant city centre with culture at its heart, creating a go-to destination which not only attracts visitors from outside the city but also offers an affordable place for our citizens to enjoy. Attracting potential strategic development partners such as Vinci and Ion is a huge step forward in bringing this ambitious vision to life.”
Steve Parry, managing director at Ion Developments, said: “Together, we will use our extensive experience to create a thriving city centre location that offers a blend of cultural, community and commercial space to meet Derby’s needs, both now and long into the future.”
Graham Lambert, managing director at Vinci UK Developments, said: “Derby as a city has much to offer and potential to be harnessed. We share the ambition of the council, the local community and businesses in seeking to revitalise the cultural core of the city.
“The council has laid the foundation for this, and we will create community-led assets, flexible and diverse spaces and a quality business district that complements the inward investment in the city.”
Laura Loftus, director and contract lead at Avison Young, which advised the council, said: “Vinci and Ion have clearly demonstrated their ambition on the scale and pace of the development, and their track record in sustainable regeneration provides a clear indication that the council’s objectives and ambitions can be met through a series of well-planned developments which frame the future revitalisation of the city centre.”
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