Public flocks to Derby City Lab to share views on Market Place vision

More than 100 people have attended a public drop-in session held at Derby City Lab where they were able to see the new vision for Derby’s Market Place, including the former Assembly Rooms site.

Held at the Derby Market Hall venue last week, attendees were able to view the plans and talk to members of the project team, who were on hand to explain the vision and answer questions.

The session was organised by VINCI UK Developments and Ion Developments as part of the next stage of a public consultation.

It followed 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.

Responses from the current round of public consultation will feed into an outline planning application due to be submitted to Derby City Council  in early 2026.

Adam Rodgers, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Derby City Lab lead, said: “The Derby City Lab was delighted to host this important drop-in session – and we were very encouraged to see so many people turn up and share their views.

“The overriding message from those who attended was to see something happen as soon as possible with this key city centre site.”

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.

Rob Mason, Development Director from ION Developments, said: “We were really encouraged by the level of interest shown in our plans at last week’s consultation event in the Market Hall. There were plenty of questions, and the feedback overall was very positive.

“We’d urge as many people as possible to visit our consultation website, tell us what they think, and share how they would like to use the Market Place in future, including the types of activities and events they would like to see.

“These proposals have the potential to revitalise this part of the city centre and complement other regeneration initiatives in Derby.”

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.

Further information about the Market Place vision, including a CGI, can be viewed on Derby City Lab’s touchscreen.

For more information about Derby City Lab, including opening times, click here.