Derbion Deal Does Derby Double
A masterplan for Derby city centre has been given the go-ahead with building on two plots owned by Derbion adding 1,152 apartment block new homes.
Derbion is a 1.3 million-square-foot indoor shopping and leisure destination located in the heart of Derby. It was formerly known as Intu Derby. The centre was rebranded in 2021 after being acquired by Cale Street Investments.
The masterplan includes a framework for the longer-term development of the centre’s footprint over the next 5-10 years. It naturally aims to benefit Derbion as retail declines but also supports the ongoing regeneration of Derby city centre, as envisioned by Derby City Council.
Eastern Gateway
The Eastern Gateway scheme, approved in May 2024, was the first phase of the Derbion masterplan. This project received funding from the Future High Streets Fund to transform the arrival point from the bus station through major public realm improvements at the corner of East Street and Morledge. It has also enabled the activation of the former Eagle Market site, including the opening of padel club, Social Sports Society and Flo Skatepark, creating a new community sports destination for Derby and helping to enliven the site ahead of its long-term regeneration.
Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way
Derby City Council has now granted planning permission for both the Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way, the two key sites that sit within the masterplan which will see the redevelopment of the former Eagle Market building into 674 homes and the transformation of Bradshaw Way Retail Park into a new landmark 14-floor residential building with 478 homes.
Alongside housing, the new Eagle Quarter will enhance the public realm. With Derby Theatre as the focal point, it will integrate with the recently opened, multi-million pound Derbion Square which has created a new façade and urban garden improving public access from the River Derwent and bus station into the shopping centre.
Commercial too
The proposals for Bradshaw Way include residential buildings with private courtyards and green spaces, as well as units for commercial occupiers on the ground floor. The proposed development will also improve connectivity to Derby’s Nightingale Quarter.
Beth McDonald, Managing Director, Derbion said: “It is important to Derbion that we work closely with key local stakeholders such as Derby City Council to create a vibrant city centre. Our masterplan will supercharge these efforts by bringing people back into Derby through new high-quality homes, commercial and public spaces and walkable streets, acting as a catalyst for sustainable growth and development in and around the city centre and providing long-term economic opportunities for Derby.”
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy said: “The final piece in the jigsaw of development is now in place. A significant development has been given the green light by city planners and takes the reality of Derbion's masterplan for the city centre a step nearer.”
Picture: A CGI of what the Eagle Quarter in Derby City Centre will look like.
