City’s £45.8m entertainment and events venue officially opens

Derby’s brand-new £45.8 million entertainment and events venue is now officially open following a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Last month, some of the key people who helped get the 3,500-capacity Vaillant Live venue up and running came together for the ceremony.

The Colyear Street venue, created as part of the £200 million Becketwell regeneration project, has already enjoyed great success since opening to the public earlier this year.

It has so far hosted numerous events, such as boxing and live music, including Derby Summer Sessions, which saw acts such as Simple Minds, Blossoms and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man take to the stage.

The venue, which is operated by ASM Global, has become reality thanks to the work of several partners, including Derby City Council, St James Securities, Bowmer + Kirkland, Vaillant and Marketing Derby.

At the ceremony, Marcus Sheehan, general manager of Vaillant Live, said: “It’s been a huge effort from everyone at ASM Global, Vaillant, Derby City Council, Marketing Derby, Bowmer + Kirkland and so many others.

“I’m delighted to say that we now have an amazing venue that the people of Derby can be proud of and enjoy.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, city council leader and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to see Vaillant Live officially declared open.

“Over the past few months, we’ve received fantastic feedback from residents and visitors who have had a chance to see for themselves just how brilliant Vaillant Live is, and I can’t wait to see even more people experience this state-of-the-art venue.”

Owned by Derby City Council and operated by ASM Global, Vaillant Live is set to host over 200 cultural and commercial events each year and is expected to attract an additional 250,000 visitors to Derby.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by Mayor of Derby, Ajit Singh Atwal.

Also in attendance was Henrik Hansen, managing director of Vaillant (UK and Ireland), the venue’s main sponsor, and a number of city council representatives.

Nadine added: “From being on site when the first spade went in the ground in June 2023 and having the opportunity to sign a steel beam in March 2024, to seeing the building officially opened just two years later is a real full circle moment and I couldn’t be prouder of this development and all that has been accomplished in such a short space of time.

“A huge thanks to St James Securities, Bowmer + Kirkland, and of course ASM Global – this venue is a perfect example of what we can achieve working in partnership for the benefit of our city.”

Speaking about the venue’s opening few months, Marcus said: “It’s been amazing to see the venue completely sold out, and hopefully we’ll continue to get fantastic support from the people of Derby.”