Derby Assembly Rooms Demolition Approved, Construction Planned for Early 2027

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 3, Derby City Council's Planning Control Committee approved the removal of pre-commencement conditions attached to the original Assembly Rooms demolition permission, allowing the Market Place regeneration project to proceed to the demolition preparation phase. The comprehensive development plan involves an investment of approximately £100 million, with demolition works scheduled to begin in early 2027.

The original demolition permission for the Assembly Rooms was granted in March 2024, but required the City Council to secure an approved scheme for a replacement building and sign a development agreement with the developer, including implementation arrangements, before works could commence. In July 2026, outline planning permission was granted for the Market Place regeneration project; on August 26, the Council confirmed it had signed an overarching development agreement with ION Property Developments. The Committee determined that the relevant conditions had been satisfied and approved the lifting of the demolition restrictions.

The redevelopment scheme, designed by Howells, comprises three main facilities: Derby MADE, a mixed-use building on the former Assembly Rooms site; Derby HOTEL, a four-star full-service hotel; and Derby WORKS, offering Grade A office space. Derby MADE is proposed to include a live music venue, cultural exhibition spaces, a children's and family library, as well as flexible office and meeting areas.

ION, as the Council's strategic development partner, will be involved in the development of city-centre sites including Market Place and will continue to prepare the Derby MADE business plan, refining the building's usage proposals with relevant organisations and the public.

Site preparation works, including utility disconnections, site clearance, and construction safety hoarding, will be carried out first and are expected to take several weeks. Once demolition of the building begins, it is expected to take approximately 12 months, after which construction of the new building will commence.