Work completes on restoring city gateway landmark

The transformation of the city’s iconic ‘Derby in Bloom’ display has been completed thanks to a partnership between the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts, Derby City Council and Down to Earth Derby.

The project has seen the former overgrown site at Pentagon Island completely replanted with a carefully designed mix of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

For more than two decades, the Derby in Bloom display greeted thousands of motorists entering the city each day before becoming increasingly obscured by overgrowth.

The completed scheme reintroduces the landmark feature while creating a greener and more sustainable entrance to Derby.

Native species including hawthorn, field maple and wild privet have been planted alongside colourful wildflowers such as foxglove, ox-eye daisy and red campion.

As well as creating an attractive display, the planting has been designed to support pollinators, birds and other wildlife while requiring less intensive maintenance.

Brad Worley, BID manager for the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs, said: “When we first announced plans to bring Derby in Bloom back, we said we wanted to restore something that people in Derby genuinely cared about.

“The reaction we received showed just how much affection there is for this landmark.

“We’re delighted to see the work completed and to once again have a feature that helps create a positive and welcoming impression of Derby.

“This project reflects the pride that businesses, partners and local organisations have in our city and the commitment to making Derby look its best.”

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, parks and leisure, said: “Pentagon Island is one of the busiest and most visible gateways into our city, and it is fantastic to see this transformation completed.

“Through partnership working, we have restored a much-loved feature while creating a greener, more sustainable environment that supports local wildlife and contributes to our wider environmental ambitions.”

The planting team will return in future spring and autumn seasons to help the site establish and ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.

Jamie Quince-Starkey, of Down to Earth Derby, said: “Now that the planting is complete, we’re looking forward to seeing the space develop and flourish over the coming months and years.

“As the trees, shrubs and wildflowers become established, the site will not only provide a striking first impression of Derby but also deliver real environmental benefits for wildlife and biodiversity.”