Assembly Rooms redevelopment set to cost £100m

Plans to demolish the Assembly Rooms in Derby and turn the site into a "landmark development" would cost £100m, documents published by Derby City Council show.

Two developers submitted an outline planning application to the council in January to redevelop the derelict venue, the multi-storey car park and 34 Full Street, and create a "multi-purpose visitor destination" named DerbyMADE.

The proposed development could also include an office building named DerbyWORKS and a four-star hotel named DerbyHOTEL.

A report prepared for the Labour-run council's cabinet 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 will be 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.

Documents stated the scale of investment was "significant", but added it was a "critical site" for the regeneration of Derby city centre.

It stated: "Derby is a city of economic significance, the city region representing an economy of around £15bn, a key UK centre of excellence in advanced manufacturing, and one of the UK's most central and connected cities."

However, it went on to say the city centre "does not currently reflect" Derby's economic status, and added it was "on an exciting journey of transformation" of the city centre.

According to the report, the developers' business case had evidenced "viability challenges justifying public sector funding".

A report submitted to the council said 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 the blaze that broke out on the 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 council said the planning application would be considered by the authority's planning control committee later this spring.

It added on Wednesday the council's cabinet was recommended to approve entering into contracts with development partners VINCI UK Developments and Ion Property Developments, as well as approving a masterplan for the site.

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