- Written by Laura Hammond
- BBC News, East Midlands
Image source, Derby City Council
An artist's impression shows what the market could look like
A derelict venue will be demolished to make way for the new 'cultural heart' of Derby city centre.
The Assembly Chambers have been closed since a fire caused extensive damage in 2014.
Plans to demolish the venue and build a new theater on the site were canceled in November.
Derby City Council now says it will make way for a multi-purpose development, containing leisure, commercial and community facilities.
The development “will place culture at the heart of the city centre,” the authority said.
An artist's rendering showing what the location at Market Place could look like was released Thursday.
The Council said that work is now underway to develop detailed proposals.
The association's rooms were damaged in a fire in 2014
Major structural demolition of the building is scheduled to begin in the fall.
Councilor Nadine Pitfield, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “We are on a journey to transform Derby into a vibrant city center with culture at its heart, creating a preferred destination that not only attracts visitors from outside the wider area but also provides an affordable setting. Cost for our citizens to enjoy.
“It is great to see change happening in the town centre, with Market Place taking center stage at the heart of Derby’s transformation.”
Vinci Developments UK and Ion Developments UK will work with the council to redevelop the site.
Graham Lambert, managing director of Vinci UK Developments, said: “Derby as a city has a lot to offer and potential that can be harnessed.
“We share the ambition of the council, the local community and businesses in seeking to revitalize the cultural center of the city.”
Steve Barry, managing director of Ion Developments, added: “Together we will use our extensive experience to create a thriving city center site that provides a mix of cultural, community and commercial spaces to meet Derby’s needs, both now and long-term into the future.”
