Houses, shops, a pedestrian link and new schools are all proposed in the plans for the area known as the Eastern Fringes.
It is bounded by the railway line, Bateman Street, Osmaston Road, Bradshaw Way and Traffic Street and includes Castleward – the area between Traffic Street and Midland Road/Railway Terrace, the DRI and Bass's Rec.
The plans are being put forward by Derby City Council with urban regeneration company Derby Cityscape.
The aim is to regenerate the area, making it more attractive and linking it better with the city centre.
Residents and businesses are being asked for their views on the proposals before a final design is put to the city council's cabinet for approval.
Sections within the plan include ideas for the creation of a boulevard linking the railway station with the city centre and creating a High Street feel with shops, housing and a new primary school.
Several business owners attended the first day of the public exhibition at the Ascot Hotel, in Midland Road, yesterday to find out if they would be affected.
Clayton Ford runs the Merry Widows pub in Railway Terrace.
Mr Clayton said his pub was not directly affected.
“We are not going to be knocked down or anything. In fact I think this will be a good thing for the area.
“The railway station does need improving and there are plans for that in this. ”
James Veitch, owner of Bubbles Spa in Railway Terrace, said: “It isn't going to affect us but I do think it's good they are doing something with this area.
“When people are new to the city they come in at the station and there are no signs or any obvious route to the city centre.”
Normanton resident Martin Aldried, 63, said he was pleased the area was getting attention.
He said: “I have lived in Derby for years and remember when there were dye works along Siddals Road and that was 40 years ago.
“Since then they put small industrial units there which haven't really done anything to improve the city, in fact they have widened the gulf between the area and the city centre, so it will be good to see links created.”
The exhibition of the proposals will continue at the Aston Court Hotel today, from 10am to 5pm. People who attend the exhibition will be able to submit their views on the proposals and speak to representatives from both the Council and Derby Cityscape.
On Monday, the exhibition will move to the Guildhall foyer for a further week and opens between 9am and 5pm every day until Friday.
The exhibition will be staffed between 11am and 1pm each day.
Article courtesy of Derby Evening Telegraph