Derby gets £15m boost to renew city centre
DERBY is to receive £15 million from Government to help renew and reshape the city centre after a successful bid by Derby City Council.
The money comes via the Future High Street Fund, designed to help renew and reshape town centres and high streets across the country.
Marketing Derby, with the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs, the University of Derby and Derby Centre, contributed to the presenting a business case that was put to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for regeneration, planning and transportation, said:
“Successful city centres are the ones able to combine great retail and leisure offerings with residential and business use.
“Our future High Streets Fund bid will help to shape ape a city that can be a great place to live, work and nd relax.”
John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “We know the city centre needs considerable investment as part of its postCovid repurposing.
“It’s important now to move to delivery as quickly as possible as part of our place strategy to build confidence and diversify.”
The bid sets out plans to reinvigorate the city centre, attract more visitors and create hundreds of jobs. Final details on how the allocation can best be spent will now be determined by the council. Talks a are continuing on potential sch schemes, which co could see the crea ation of office space and the regeneration of the Becketwell area. There are also tal talks over potential developments in digital dig infrastructure and technology in the city centre that could benefit visitors and improve links to key areas. Work is already under way to repair the Market Hall roof – and the refurbishment of the Grade-II listed building has been an important part of the city council’s plans for regenerating the city centre.
The revamped venue would offer food and drink themed markets, a ‘make-and-trade’ zone for new entrepreneurs and space for events and activities.
Amanda Solloway, MP for Derby North, has also welcomed the funding boost, saying: “This is great news for Derby. It will go a long way to helping boost our high streets and local economy.
“I would like to thank the city council for all their hard work in helping attract the funding.
“Derby has always been a fantastic place to be, for work or recreation, and there are great opportunities for the funding to make it even better.”
This will go a long way to helping boost our high streets and local economy. Amanda Solloway MP