Design contract awarded for redevelopment project

A £1.4m design contract has been awarded for a major redevelopment project in Derby.Leicester-headquartered Perfect Circle, a joint venture company set up by Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM, has been handed the Assemble Rooms contract by Derby City Council via the Scape National Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework.The first phase of the scheme will see further detailed design work undertaken to build on the feasibility study prepared in 2018.Perfect Circle will provide a range of multi-disciplinary services including project management, cost management, architecture and building services to drive the project through the pre-construction design phase.The first CGIs of the proposed new £24m Assembly Rooms performance venue were revealed in December 2018.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.