Assembly Rooms redevelopment plan put on hold

Plans for a £100m redevelopment of the Assembly Rooms in Derby have been put on hold by councillors.

Derby City Council's planning control committee voted in favour of delaying a final decision on an outline planning application to redevelop the derelict venue on Thursday after concerns were raised over design issues.

Plans state the proposed development - which would involve the demolition of The Assembly Rooms, the multi-storey car park and 34 Full Street - would include the construction of a "multi-purpose visitor destination" named DerbyMADE.

A report submitted to the council said 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 Labour-run council so the demolition and subsequent construction work could take place consecutively, instead of the site standing vacant.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said concerns were raised at the planning control committee meeting about the "bulky" design.

Lucy Care, Liberal Democrat councillor for Littleover, said: "Derby deserves better. We are missing an opportunity to have something that's more creative."

Care proposed to defer a final decision - which was voted in favour of - with the hope of "tidying up" design issues within the next few weeks.

However, four councillors voted to approve the scheme, with Sue Bosner, Labour councillor for Abbey, saying residents of Derby expected the council to "get on with it".

Martin Rawson, Labour councillor for Chaddesden West, said: "I'm really excited about this. It's the most exciting application we've had in years.

"I think it looks really good. There is an element of flexibility to allow the proposal to evolve."

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, which recommended approving the scheme, concluded the proposed development would play an "essential role" in improving Derby's economy and cultural offer.

Additional reporting by Dan Hunt

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