A MAJOR city centre venue from the 70s, where iconic acts like Take That and Elton John performed, is set to undergo huge transformation.
A new day-and-night venue with a rooftop bar, library, offices and shops is set to replace it.
Redevelopment for the new Market Place has come under a project called Derby MADE[/caption]
GONE FOR GOOD? Major UK venue in city centre loved in 70s where Take That & Elton John performed set to be transformed into rooftop bar[/caption]
Derby City Council is planning to demolish what was once dubbed the city’s “living room”, with what they are calling a “landmark community building”.
The Assembly Rooms in Derby is awaiting approval to be demolished, with plans for a new Market Place.
It comes after the Assembly Rooms venue caught fire 10 years ago, leaving it unused and derelict.
English pop group sensations of Take That brought their first-ever UK tour to the Assembly Rooms over 30 years ago.
And the iconic Sir Elton John also played there in the late 1970s.
What was left of the Assembly Rooms was due to be knocked down earlier this year, but no firm plan had been put forward so it was postponed.
Last year, the council announced a similar scheme with publication of an artist’s impression of the future plans once it was demolished, also called Derby MADE.
The public has been invited by partners VINCI UK Developments and Ion Developments to give their views on the new building.
The developers have announced their intention to provide a “vibrant and safe place for all communities to come together” through Derby MADE.
They added: “With a combined 60,000 sq ft of public spaces to gather, learn, share ideas, play and work, it is envisaged that it will become the city’s ‘living room’ and become a natural place for the people of Derby to meet and visit”.
Graham Lambert, managing director VINCI UK Developments, stated: “Derby MADE is at the heart of our shared initiative, designed to shape the vision for the city centre around a newly bustling Market Place, and this is the first opportunity we have had to share some of those plans.
“We are only too aware of our responsibility in transforming the site of the former Assembly Rooms, with something that is equally iconic, but also of equal or greater relevance to Derby’s citizens.”
Managing director at Ion Developments, Steve Parry, added that they hope to take inspiration from other succesful transformational projects like Storyhouse in Chester and Culture House in Sunderland.
He said: “We are hoping to draw over three quarters of a million visitors a year to the Market Place.
“We expect that will be a new lease of life for the square and hopefully for the businesses that are understandably relying on its careful rejuvenation.”
Consultation began in May for members of the public to inform themselves on the Derby MADE prokect and provide their comments.
Councillors, however, are concerned the demotion of the city venue could still be “years away” as the plans are still in their early stages.
In March, officers were not able to provide an ontime review of the city’s parking facilities to a meeting of Derby’s regeneration committee.
This is what would have allowed the demotion and subscequent construction work for the new scheme to take place.
The new Market Place scheme is now set to be delivered in phases, starting with the construction of new hospitality venues, including a rooftopm bar.
The second phase will involve plans for new office spaces, followed by a new four-star hotel.
And Councillor Nadine Peatfield has said she wants to see the knockdown begin by the end of 2025.
The leader of the council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “Late last year we made the decision to reorder plans for the demolition of the Assembly Rooms site to ensure the best outcome for the city.
“Since then, we have been continuing to work closely with our preferred development partners, VINCI UK Developments and ION Developments, on plans for the new Cultural Heart of the City which will deliver long-term value and a vibrant cultural destination for Derby.
“We are close to finalising our proposals for the site and look forward to consulting with our partners and residents very soon.”
The Assembly Rooms was built in the Brutalist style in 1977 and has been closed since March 2014[/caption]