Plans to improve the eastern side of Derby city centre could take a significant step forward this month. Derby City Council’s Cabinet is expected to approve final funding and delivery arrangements so work can start on improving a key gateway to the city centre.
The Eastern Gateway project, to be delivered by the city’s shopping and leisure destination, Derbion, and part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, will add extra shops and leisure outlets and create a new public boulevard to transform the area opposite the bus station and the eastern entrance to Derbion.
In December 2020, Derby City Council was awarded £15m by the Government following its successful Future High Streets Fund bid to support the recovery of the city centre. Around £5m of this funding has been allocated to transforming the Eastern Gateway scheme, which is being driven by Derbion.
A share of the funding has also been invested in refurbishing the city’s Grade II-listed Market Hall into an attractive, flexible retail and leisure destination fit for the 2020s and beyond, which will be completed in 2024.
Councillor Steve Hassall, cabinet member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “Future High Streets Funding has been pivotal for the changes we want to make in this area of Derby, to create a more vibrant and attractive space.
“We’re really excited to see the improvements planned around East Street, which will create a new gateway into the heart of our city centre, joining up our main shopping locations with the refurbished Market Hall. Changes like these are vital to improve the vibrancy of our city and to really showcase what Derby has to offer.
“The funding provides a substantial financial boost for the heart of the city centre and will help to shape the future of how Derby residents and visitors use this space.
“The Eastern Gateway scheme forms part of an exciting future vision for Derbion, contributing further to the vibrancy and attractiveness of the city centre.”
A spokesperson for Derbion added: “We continue to explore opportunities across the whole of our estate to bring new brands and experiences to Derbion, and to create a vibrant and attractive destination that brings even more visitors to Derby City Centre.
“The Government’s Future High Streets Fund aims to transform and regenerate high streets across England, making them fit for the future. It will help revitalise local high streets and boost economic buoyancy in town centres where people live, shop, use services, and spend their leisure time.
“Derbion anticipates submitting a formal planning application for the Eastern Gateway scheme later this year, with completion of the scheme expected in late 2024.
“Derby City Council’s business case for the Eastern Gateway estimates that the regeneration will create new jobs, drive additional footfall and support the ongoing recovery of the city centre.”
