First look of proposed £24m performance venue revealed

The first look on how a new £24m performance venue in Derby city centre could look has been revealed for the first time.The city council has been working on the project for the Assembly Rooms for some time and its cabinet is set to be asked next week on approving the capital cost of the scheme.Derby has been without a performance venue in the city centre since a fire in 2014. If planning permission is approved, the new venue could be open in autumn 2020.The new look Assembly Rooms will serve as an entertainment hub for the city centre, providing a multi-functional space for concerts, pantomime, corporate events, conferences, exhibitions, comedy, family/theatre shows and weddings.Once opened, the council has said it’s anticipated to deliver more than 280 events each year.The venue will also include new commercial units fronting the Market Place, a remodelled entrance and lobby, multi-functional rooms, new glazing, refurbished bar areas, toilets and upgraded seating.A feasibility study was launched in July to determine costs for the project which included basic repairs and refurbishing.The authority has said refurbishing and enhancing the Assembly Rooms is the preferred option.The original estimate to refurbish the Assembly Rooms back in May was £15m which would have seen minimal work to the building, only essential work would be undertaken to repair damage caused by the fire.The decision on who will operate the Assembly Rooms has not yet been made.If approved at cabinet next week, work will then begin to progress the designs for the new Assembly Rooms and secure planning permission to deliver the project.