A £100 million redevelopment of Derby’s Market Place to replace the Assembly Rooms has got the go-ahead.
Derby City Council submitted major plans to redevelop the city centre area with new buildings and public open space.
The approval at a Derby planning meeting on Thursday (16) moves the replacement of the Assembly Rooms forward, following a long period of uncertainty. It has stood empty for more than a decade after a fire.
The demolition of the Assembly Rooms had already been approved, subject to conditions.
The outline application for consideration focused solely on the creation of a new mixed-use building, new office space, and a four-star hotel, once the former entertainment venue is demolished.
But, despite approval, council bosses told the meeting there will still be further hurdles to jump through before demolition of the Assembly Rooms could actually start.
A decision on the outline plans was expected at a planning meeting in May, but a slender majority of councillors wanted to defer the item after raising design concerns.
It was heard at Thursday’s meeting how behind-the-scenes talks between the developers and councillors were “really helpful” and tweaks were made to the design in response to conversations.
Councillor Martin Rawson said: “I really like these proposals. Attractive shops and cafés will draw people to the area and that’s what it needs.
“It is sorely needed. Assembly Rooms has been rotting for 10 years – we need to grasp the metal and bring this part of the city centre back to life.”
By Nigel Slater (Local Democracy Reporter)
