Plans to transform city centre’s public spaces set to move forward

A new strategy to transform the city centre’s streets and public spaces into greener, safer and more welcoming places is set to move forward today.

The Public Realm Strategy sets out a long-term vision for how the spaces between buildings, including squares, green spaces and streets should look and feel.

It aims to create a vibrant, attractive and accessible city centre environment, which people can enjoy whether they live, work or visit the city centre.

It will also support Derby’s ambitions for a greener city centre, increasing urban greening and connecting locations across the city centre with safe, attractive and walkable routes. 

Following online and in-person consultations at the beginning of the year, led by consultants PlanIt and the University of Derby, the strategy will be considered at a meeting of Derby City Council’s Cabinet today.

If approved, £1.5 million from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund will be used to contribute towards a first phase of projects in the city centre.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, city council leader and cabinet member for regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “High-quality public realm plays a vital role in shaping the character and success of a city centre.

“By working with partners and consulting with residents and visitors, we have taken their feedback on board to create a shared vision towards a greener, safer, and more attractive city centre.”

The first phase of projects include improvements to St James Street, Sadler Gate, Riverside and the area around the Church of St Werburgh’s

It will also help fund a wayfinding strategy and its implementation, as well as improvements to gateway buildings on key streets in the Cathedral Quarter.

CCTV upgrades and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation measures will also be considered to improve safety across the city centre.

The strategy also identifies seven priority locations where improvements can act as catalysts for wider regeneration and investment.

These include the arrival from the railway station, the Market Place and riverfront, key cultural and heritage areas and important pedestrian routes into and through the city centre.

Cllr Peatfield added: “By improving the way that our spaces are designed and managed, the strategy will encourage people to spend more time in the city centre, support local businesses, and showcase our city’s heritage.

“The strategy gives us a long-term framework to ensure that our city attracts investment and remains a welcoming place for everyone for years to come.”

The Public Realm Strategy will also support the new emerging Local Plan, which outlines a vision for delivering new homes and commercial developments on brownfield sites in the city centre.

A revised version of the Local Plan is currently out for public consultation.