Consultation opens on new Market Place vision

VINCI UK Developments and Ion Developments have launched the next stage of public consultation on plans to redevelop Derby’s Market Place, including the former Assembly Rooms site.

The consultation will feed into an outline planning application due to be submitted to Derby City Council in early 2026.

It follows an earlier round of engagement on DerbyMADE, the proposed cultural hub for the area. The newly revealed proposals for the site include DerbyWORKS, the creation of high-quality Grade A office space and DerbyHOTEL, a new full-service four-star hotel.

A public drop-in consultation event will take place on Friday 21 November, from 2pm to 7pm at Derby City Lab, inside Derby Market Hall, where members of the project team will be on hand to explain the vision and answer questions.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, city council leader and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “The Market Place is an important part of Derby’s identity, and we know that our residents are eager to share their thoughts and help shape the future of the site.

“This is an opportunity for everyone who works, lives or visits Derby to share have their say on the latest plans before a full planning application is submitted in the new year.”

John Forkin, managing director at Marketing Derby, said: “The number one question asked by the public since the Derby City Lab opened has always been ‘What is happening with the Assembly Rooms?’.

“It will be exciting to see the first answers to that and urge people to pop down to the Market Hall this Friday to make their views known. “

The latest plans give more details about the proposed development, which is being designed to meet the needs of a range of residents and visitors to the city.

Having listened to feedback from the public, the latest plans for DerbyMADE include flexible and adaptable space for: a public space for meeting, studying or working, a small music venue, cultural / exhibition space, dedicated co-working areas, an additional library focussed on families, children and young people and several food and beverage outlets, and notably a rooftop bar.

The proposed masterplan aims to build on the work happening across Derby to regenerate and revitalise the city centre.

Nadine added: “We’re excited to move into this next part of the process to transform the space into a vibrant part of the city centre that connects communities, supports local businesses, and celebrates the best of Derby.

Richard Fagg, development director at VINCI UK Developments, said: “These plans build on the exciting DerbyMADE vision and will form a key part of Derby’s ongoing city centre transformation.

“This part of the city centre has huge potential, and our partnership aims to deliver a place that reflects Derby’s ambition and creativity.

“Our goal is to create a destination that residents can be proud of, one that attracts investment, delivers new jobs and brings new life to the heart of the city.”

As well as the consultation event at Derby City Lab, from Friday 21 November the public can learn more about the vision for the site and share their thoughts by clicking here.

The consultation will be open for feedback and suggestions until Friday 19 December, before a planning application is submitted in the New Year.