Redesign proposal for Derby City Centre open for public feedback
Derby City Centre Embraces Sustainable Urban Development with New Design
Derby City Centre is set to undergo a significant transformation, with a new design focused on sustainable urban development. The design, part of the 'Towards A New Vision for Derby City Centre Ambition' document published in 2022, is a comprehensive plan that includes new developments, public spaces, and residential areas.
The new design, created by Urban Initiatives Studio on behalf of Derby City Council, aims to support Derby's long-term plan for growth and make the city more sustainable. It provides guidance on building scale, land use, movement, facades, and green infrastructure.
The public is invited to share their views on this redevelopment and the improvements to the public realm. Councillor Nadine Peatfield encourages everyone to participate in the consultation for the future of Derby's city centre. The drop-in sessions are scheduled for Tuesday 22 October and Wednesday 13 November 2024, to be held at the City Lab, in Derbion. Additional drop-in sessions will be held on a later date, specifically on Wednesday 13 November 2024.
The feedback deadline for the surveys, which can be found on the Let's Talk Derby website, is due at 5pm on Monday 13 January 2025. These surveys ask for anonymous views, offering an opportunity for the community to have their say in shaping Derby’s future.
The long-term sustainability goals for the city centre are exemplified by several projects. Meristem Design’s recent installation features custom planters with integrated seating along key walking and cycling routes, promoting sustainable travel. These planters enhance biodiversity through year-round plantings that contribute to urban greening, improve air quality, create more pedestrian-friendly streets, and visually uplift transport corridors.
Moreover, sustainability is embedded in new infrastructure such as the University of Derby’s Cavendish Building, a zero-carbon facility dedicated to fostering community and educational development with an environmental responsibility focus. This initiative aligns with Derby’s broader objectives to create cleaner streets and support sustainable mobility.
The design is funded by Homes England, and a £75m mixed-use project has commenced on Friar Gate Goods Yard, converting two Grade II listed buildings into commercial space and 276 new build homes. The new city centre design marks an exciting time for the future of Derby's city centre, with the launch of the new City Centre Design Guide being an essential part of Derby City Council's long-term strategy to transform the city centre into a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable area.
Public engagement activities hosted by the Derby City Lab, an urban space designed for exhibitions and discussion groups, will gather community feedback on regeneration and safety throughout 2025. These forums will provide residents and stakeholders with opportunities to express their views on the city centre’s redevelopment and public realm improvements.
In summary, Derby City Centre’s new design embraces sustainability through green infrastructure, pedestrian and cyclist enhancements, zero-carbon buildings, and active public consultation facilitated by ongoing events at Derby City Lab, ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits for the city.
- The new design for Derby City Centre, funded by Homes England, includes plans for sustainable living, as seen in Meristem Design's installation of custom planters along walking and cycling routes, promoting biodiversity and sustainable travel.
- As part of the public space regeneration, the University of Derby's Cavendish Building, a zero-carbon facility, embodies sustainability by fostering community and educational development with a focus on environmental responsibility.
- Derby City Lab, a public space designed for discussions and exhibitions, will facilitate ongoing community engagement on regeneration and safety matters throughout 2025, allowing residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions on the city centre's redevelopment and improvement of the public realm.
