Plans lodged for Assembly Rooms replacement

Plans have been lodged to knock down the Assembly Rooms in Derby and turn the site into a "landmark development".

Two developers have submitted an outline planning application to Derby City Council to redevelop the derelict venue, the multi-storey car park, and 34 Full Street and build a "multi-purpose visitor destination" named DerbyMADE.

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

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

The venue, which opened in 1977, was badly damaged in a huge blaze that broke out in its roof car park in March 2014.

The venue 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 would 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.

The documents said the vision for the Derby Market Place Regeneration scheme was to re-establish the area as the "cultural heart" of the city centre.

"This includes the delivery of three new buildings, which will be designed to the highest standards of architectural quality, sustainability and functionality," they said.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.