One of Derby’s most exciting regeneration projects will receive a significant update this month, as Cabinet are asked to approve positive changes to the Eastern Gateway Project.
The new proposals would see the project split into two elements: Eastern Gateway (Derbion) and Eastern Gateway (Cathedral Quarter). Cabinet will decide whether to approve capital grants to partner developers delivering these two schemes.
The regeneration of these areas is expected to create new jobs, drive additional footfall, and support the ongoing growth of the city centre.
The Derbion element has been revised and will see the existing façade of the former Eagle Market replaced with an entrance. A new urban garden would also be created as a space for people to sit and enjoy.
The revised scope of the Derbion scheme gives the opportunity for the Council to progress the Eastern Gateway Cathedral Quarter element with developers. This would see heritage buildings in the area restored and repurposed to create new commercial and residential space. This comes after the Council approved a £1.3m loan in September 2023 to bring neglected properties back into use.
To allow these two strands to progress, Cabinet will also have to approve the allocation of £5m total grant funding to the project.
To complement the Eastern Gateway Project, a network of new urban green spaces could be added to the city centre in proposals called Connecting Works.
Cabinet approval of these changes will allow the Council to quickly move into contract with the respective project delivery partners once approval from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, who provide the Future High Streets Funding, is in place.
Derby City Council were originally awarded £15m of Future High Streets Funding in December 2020. Around £5m is allocated to the Eastern Gateway scheme, which would be shared between the Derbion and Cathedral Quarter projects if approved.
The rest has already been invested in the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Market Hall, turning it into an attractive retail and leisure destination that links Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “Revitalising our city centre is one of the key priorities for this administration.
“These adjusted proposals allow us to redirect Derby’s city centre focus on well-being, green spaces, regenerating empty retail space and utilising some of our beautiful historic buildings; all things that we have pledged to deliver.
“Revising the plans for Eastern Gateway is not only a responsible decision, given the economic and market challenges that have impacted previous proposals for the site, but will still deliver the results required by Future High Streets Fund.
“The improved proposal plays a big part in our long-term vision to deliver a city centre for all; one that we can be proud of and want to spend quality time in.”
Cabinet will meet at 4pm on Wednesday 14 February.
