Assembly Rooms plans unveiled at international event

International investors have been learning more about the major investment opportunities that exist in Derby city centre.

At a special breakfast event held during MIPIM at the Eden Hotel, in Cannes, a targeted investor audience was briefed on the city’s £594 million of investment pipeline projects.

It was hosted by Team Derby, made up of members of Marketing Derby’s inward investment team, along with public and private sector officials, who have been in the south of France this week, flying the flag for the city at what is regarded as the biggest property investment show in the world.

At the event, the audience heard how 2025 is set to be Derby’s ‘olympic’ year, with a number of major projects, designed to create footfall and add vibrancy, coming online.

Bob Betts, chairman of Marketing Derby, said: “It was great to be able to share Derby’s investment pipeline with our partners, supporters and potential investors.

“2025 is set to be an incredibly exciting year for Derby, one which will see the transformation of our city centre kick into high gear.

“We hope that those who attended our breakfast event will have seen the exciting future that lies ahead for Derby – and will join us on that journey.”

At the event, Paul Simpson, chief executive at Derby City Council, detailed some of the successes secured at major new business parks being created in and around Derby such as St. Modwen Park Derby, SmartParc SEGRO Derby and Infinity Park Derby.

He also talked about schemes designed to breathe new life into the city centre, such as the revamped Market Hall, the restored Guildhall Theatre, the Eastern Gateway and the brand new 3,500-capacity performance venue being created at Becketwell.

In February, the city council announced VINCI UK Developments and ION Developments as its preferred development partner to drive forward plans to regenerate the ‘cultural heart’ of Derby city centre.

At yesterday’s breakfast event, Graham Lambert, managing director at VINCI and Steve Parry, managing director at ION, gave a presentation about the role they will be playing in shaping the city centre’s future.

Among the aims is to deliver the ‘Cultural Heart of the City’ project on the former Assembly Rooms site, as well as other key projects such as the Northern Gateway.

Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of Derby City Council, then spoke about Derby’s ‘olympic year’ before a screening of the Derby City Showreel – a short film detailing all the major projects which are set to go live in 2025.

It has been a busy week for Team Derby at MIPIM, who have been attending various presentations and meetings with potential investors.

On Tuesday, Mr Betts and Councillor Shanker, collected Derby’s award for its placing in the prestigious Financial Times’ fDi European Cities and Regions of the Future 2024 rankings.

Derby was placed third within the Top 10 Small European Cities for FDI Strategy category.

The rankings recognise cities who have devised the best strategy for attracting foreign direct investment, and in its category, Derby was the highest ranked UK city.

The only cities placed higher than Derby this year were Cork, in Ireland, and Braga, in Portugal.

On their return from Cannes, Team Derby will be holding a special MIPIM Breakfast on Wednesday 20 March, at Déda, in Chapel Street.

Taking place from 8am to 9.30am, attendees to the Bondholder-only event will get a first-hand debrief from the team about their time at MIPIM.

For more information visit https://www.investinderby.co.uk/upcoming-events/ .