Plans for new shops, leisure facilities and a new public boulevard near Derby bus station have been given the go-ahead. Derby City Council planners have given the green light for the city’s Eastern Gateway Scheme to improve the area opposite the eastern entrance to Derbion.
It is hoped the plans, part-funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, will create new jobs, drive additional footfall and support the ongoing recovery of the city centre.
They involve removing part of the former Eagle Market building and the Castle and Falcon pub, and creating split-level landscaping, with garden terraces and seating at different levels, overlooking the street.
There will also be play zones for children and new food and drink outlets with outdoor seating along with a new double height Derbion entrance – designed to be more welcoming and inviting to visitors.
John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, which submitted a letter supporting the application, said: “We really welcome this as improving the city gateway from the bus station and two of the city’s largest hotels is long overdue.
“The area has a footfall of over 12 million people which will only increase when the Becketwell Performance Venue opens in 2025.”
A report prepared by planners ahead of the committee meeting stated: “The existing entrance on the corner of East Street and Morledge provides an uninviting arrival to the city.
“The proposal seeks to create a welcoming ‘Eastern Gateway’ to the city centre from the Bus Station with new landscaping works.
“These high-quality proposals will raise the overall design standard for Derby city centre and make a positive contribution to the character of East Street.”
The city council was awarded £15 million by the Government back in December 2020, following a successful Future High Streets Fund bid to support the recovery of the city centre.
Around £5 million of this funding has been allocated to the scheme.
A share of the funding has also been invested in refurbishing the city’s Grade II-listed Market Hall.
