Assembly Rooms redevelopment plan set to be decided

Plans to knock down the Assembly Rooms in Derby and turn the site into a "landmark development" are set to be decided.

Derby City Council's planning control committee has been recommended by officers to approve an outline planning application to redevelop the derelict venue on Thursday.

This would also include redeveloping the multi-storey car park, 34 Full Street, and build a "multi-purpose visitor destination" named DerbyMADE.

A report submitted to the council says the Assembly Rooms - which has been out of use for more than 10 years - was in "need of rejuvenation".

According to planning documents, the proposed redevelopment could also include an office building named DerbyWORKS and a four-star hotel named DerbyHOTEL.

The venue, which opened in 1977, has been closed since a fire on the roof of its car park in 2014.

It hosted performances from acts, such as The Smiths, The Clash, Paul Weller and Manic Street Preachers, as well as British Open snooker.

The building was due to be knocked down in 2024, but works were postponed by the council so the demolition and subsequent construction work could take place consecutively, instead of the site standing vacant.

According to plans submitted by VINCI UK Developments and Ion Property Developments, DerbyWORKS could consist of a six-storey office building with opportunities for either cafes, bars or restaurants on the first and top floor.

DerbyMADE could accommodate a library, co-working space, a 400-capacity live music venue, as well as other commercial units.

Planning documents added the proposed four-star DerbyHOTEL could comprise a seven-storey building with up to 160 bedrooms.

A report by a city council planning officer concludes the proposed development would play an "essential role" in improving Derby's economy and cultural offer.

"The redevelopment of this site and wide improvements to Market Place have been a longstanding regeneration priority.

"There would be significant benefits generated through this proposal, including the provision of significant new Grade A office space, and the consequent jobs and economic opportunities this will generate," the report adds.

A report prepared for the Labour-run council's cabinet in April, said it was proposed that 60% of the £100m cost of the scheme would be publicly funded, with 40% coming from the private sector.

The report, which was discussed on 8 April, said it was not seeking the cabinet's commitment to capital costs, with the exception of demolition, for which delegated approval was already in place.

Planning documents state that a further reserved matters planning application, containing more details, would require approval before construction of the proposed development could start.

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