Derby performance venue secures green light

A new 3,500 capacity performance venue as part of Derby’s £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme has been green lit.St James Securities sought the go-ahead to build the facility on the site of the former Pennine Hotel, Pink Coconut nightclub and Laurie House offices.The venue, which will be completed as part of phase two of the scheme, will be owned by Derby City Council and managed by ASM GlobalIt is anticipated that the site will host more than 200 cultural and commercial events each year and attract an additional 250,000 visitors to Derby. It is also expected to create in excess of 200 jobs, generate more than £10m per year for the area and increase levels of investment in surrounding areas of the city centre.Derby City Council’s planning committee voted to approve the scheme at a meeting on 7 October.Demolition work is set to commence in January 2022, with construction on the venue to commence in January 2023. Completion and handover to the operator is expected in late 2024.