Market Place redevelopment takes crucial step forward

Plans to redevelop Derby’s Market Place have taken an important step forward after conditions attached to the demolition of the former Assembly Rooms were removed.

Earlier this month, Derby City Council’s planning committee agreed to remove the conditions, paving the way for the project.

It means that demolition work can take place in early 2027, and the council’s development partner, ION Developments, can bring forward its ambitious plans for the site.

It follows the signing of a Master Development Agreement between the council and ION, and the approval of outline planning permission in July.

The council said that preparing the site, disconnecting utilities and creating a secure and safe working environment will take a number of weeks before the building can start to come down.

Once work starts on the demolition, it is expected to take around 12 months to complete.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “Finally, this was the milestone that needed to be in place to pave the way for us to begin transforming the Market Place and breathe new life into this vital area of the city centre.

“Now the planning conditions have been satisfied, we will continue to work with our development partners to take these plans forward, with residents being able to see tangible progress on site in early 2027.

A masterplan for the site has been drawn up in consultation with residents, local organisations and key stakeholders.

Plans include Derby MADE – a multi-use building on the site of the former Assembly Rooms, featuring a music venue, cultural / exhibition space, a young people and family library, and dedicated flexible working and meeting areas.

It also features proposals for Derby HOTEL, a full-service four-star hotel, and Derby WORKS, new high-quality Grade A office space.

ION Developments said it will continue to develop the business plan for Derby MADE, working with stakeholders and the public to refine the proposals for the building.