Growth zone plans take an important step forward

Plans to create thousands of homes and new employment space to the south of Derby have taken another important step forward.

Last week, Derby City Council’s cabinet approved the delegation of highway powers to Derbyshire County Council to deliver key infrastructure for the South Derby Growth Zone – a development area in the south of Derby, which also extends to South Derbyshire.

The project includes a new junction on the A50 Derby Southern Bypass and a new link road, which will ultimately unlock further development of Infinity Park Derby, Derby’s flagship regeneration project, and Infinity Garden Village, which includes the Wragley Way and Lowes Farm housing development sites which extend into South Derbyshire.

The delegation of highway powers to Derbyshire County Council will enable it to construct the road as it crosses into the city boundary.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “The South Derby Growth Zone is a vital project, which will deliver sustainable and economic growth for Derby and the wider region. Together, we’re developing a vibrant, diverse and inclusive city.”

The wider South Derby Growth Zone project will be delivered through a partnership of public and private bodies, including Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council and South Derbyshire District Council, Homes England, private landowners and developers.

The project aims to deliver up to 4,500 new homes, benefiting communities across south Derby and South Derbyshire.

It also aims to deliver 3.4 million sq ft of new employment floor space – and an additional 5,000 jobs to the area.

Earlier this year, the East Midlands Combined County Authority approved up to £9.5 million of funding for projects across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – including Infinity Park, which will receive up to £1.5 million and the South Derby Growth Zone, which will also receive up to £1.5 million.

Nadine added: “By delegating highway powers to Derbyshire County Council, the project can be delivered in a timely and cost-efficient way.

“We will continue to support the county council and will work with our partners.

“This project will contribute to our ambition of making a better-connected sustainable city for the future.”