Image released of proposed Assembly Rooms plans

An image has been released which shows how the proposed redevelopment of Derby’s Assembly Rooms could look once complete.The artist’s impression has been revealed to mark the ten-year anniversary of the fire which closed the Assembly Rooms.The proposed cultural, commercial and creative public space will feature a multi-functional building, with spaces for meeting, working and creating alongside restaurant and commercial space.Last month, the council announced VINCI Developments UK and ION Developments as its preferred development partners for the redevelopment of the Assembly Rooms site.Along with proposals for other key areas within the city centre, the partnership has produced an outline masterplan to create a new cultural quarter on the site. The derelict 1970s theatre building will be demolished to make way for a new multi-purpose development, containing leisure, commercial and community facilities.Councillor Nadine Peatfield, deputy leader and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “For the past ten years the Assembly Rooms has stood empty, waiting to be regenerated into a hub of cultural activity. After several unviable plans being put forward over the past decade, this administration is confident that we can deliver on these plans for the citizens of Derby. I’m thrilled to be announcing that we plan to progress on the demolition of the Assembly Rooms this autumn.””We’re on a journey to transform Derby into a vibrant city centre with culture at its heart, creating a go-to destination which not only attracts visitors from outside of the wider region but also offers an affordable place for our citizens to enjoy.”It’s fantastic to see change happening in the city centre, with the Market Place taking centre stage at the heart of Derby’s transformation.”Work is now underway to develop the detailed proposals alongside stakeholders in the city.Graham Lambert, managing director of VINCI UK Developments, said: “Derby as a city has much to offer and potential to be harnessed. We share the ambition of the council, the local community and businesses, in seeking to revitalise the cultural core of the city.”The council has laid the foundation for this, and we will create community-led assets, flexible and diverse spaces and a quality business district that compliments the inward investment in the city.”We are proud to be chosen by the council as partner for this important strategic project and look forward to working collaboratively with the Council and local stakeholders.”Steve Parry, managing director of ION Developments, added: “Together, we will use our extensive experience to create a thriving city centre location that offers a blend of cultural, community, and commercial space to meet Derby’s needs, both now and long into the future.”