Plans to demolish Derby’s Assembly Rooms and replace it with a new community facility have sparked significant debate among local residents, heritage advocates, and city officials. The ambitious project, dubbed “Derby MADE,” aims to transform the Market Place into a vibrant space that would cater to a variety of community needs. However, leading figures in conservation have described the proposal as “pie in the sky,” citing concerns about the potential loss of heritage and the lack of a clear business plan.

Last week, Derby City Council announced a public consultation regarding the Derby MADE initiative. This comes almost a year after an artist’s impression of the project was withdrawn following revelations that the council lacked permission to proceed with the demolition of the Assembly Rooms, which has been closed since a fire incident in March 2014.

The new proposal envisions a multifunctional building featuring spaces for families, co-working areas, a library, exhibition spaces, and even a rooftop bar, alongside retail and office units. This facility marks the first stage of an overall redevelopment plan for the Market Place, which also includes a hotel and further office developments.

Criticism of the plan has been vocal. Ashley Waterhouse, chairman of Derby Civic Society, expressed disappointment that the council is opting to replace a structure that he believes could be repurposed for community use. He remarked, “It has been stated it will cost £6 million to demolish a building only worth £3 million to start with.” Waterhouse noted that refurbishing the Assembly Rooms could be achieved at a fraction of the cost of the proposed new build, with estimates for replacement reaching £60 million or more. He raised pointed questions about the practicality of a new facility in the city centre, suggesting that community centres ought to be located within local neighbourhoods.

Echoing these sentiments, Alan Grimadell, president of Derby Civic Society, criticized the developers’ description of the proposed building as the “city’s living room.” He argued that such claims are not backed by real evidence or plans, stating, “The council wants to knock the building down and doesn’t seem to have any concrete evidence of what is really going to replace it.”

Historically, the Assembly Rooms have faced various proposals for renewal since their closure. The building, constructed in 1977, is representative of Brutalist architecture, yet a series of plans—including refurbishments proposed by both Labour and Conservative administrations—have met with financial and logistical hurdles. In 2021, it was decided that demolition would not occur until an alternative plan had been approved. Delays in the project’s progression have prompted concerns among residents about the future viability of the Market Place.

Social media commentary reflects a mixed sentiment regarding the proposed changes. Some users expressed scepticism about the timeline of the project, with remarks like, “I can’t wait to see that come into fruition in the year 2097.” Others acknowledged the challenges of refurbishing the existing building and expressed support for the new design, suggesting it could better serve community needs.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of the council and cabinet member for city centre regeneration, highlighted that the public consultation is intended to gather feedback on the Derby MADE project. According to Peatfield, the consultation will commence on May 7, featuring drop-in sessions at the City Lab in the Derbion shopping centre, where members of the public can view plans and provide input.

Graham Lambert, managing director of VINCI UK Developments, commented on the council’s vision for the project, stating, “We are only too aware of our responsibility in transforming the site of the former Assembly Rooms, with something that is equally iconic, but also of equal or greater relevance to Derby’s citizens.” He welcomed public feedback to help shape the project’s future.

With the scheduled consultation just around the corner, stakeholders are keenly awaiting further developments regarding Derby MADE and its implications for the future of the Market Place and the legacy of the Assembly Rooms.

Source: Noah Wire Services