ARCHITECTURE students are showing they want to play a major part in the future in Derby by coming up with new designs for it.
The University of Derby students were recruited by Derby Cityscape to come up with ideas of how Derby's North Riverside site – opposite the Council House – could be developed.
The urban regeneration company driving Derby city centre's physical regeneration was looking for ideas for the 17-acre brownfield site on the banks of the Derwent. And its chief executive has promised that the students' ideas will be taken into account when future design decisions are made.
After several months of hard work and sleepless nights, the students presented their projects as part of the annual degree show at the university's Markeaton Street campus.
Each project was assessed by David Marshall, Derby Cityscape's development director.
First prize went to part-time student Ian Curran.
Ian, who works for Derby architects' Maber Associates, in Pride Park, has one more year to study before he graduates.
He said: "I spent time carrying out market research into the Exeter Place area.
"We were asked to choose a building in the area and I selected Exeter House, which originally was due to be demolished although since then it has been given a reprieve. In my plan, I decided to replace Exeter House with affordable modern flats and offices.
"I also raised the level of the properties because it is a flood risk area and installed hydro-electric power generation on the Derwent."
Derby Cityscape will now evaluate what students presented at their end-of-year projects, with a view to using the best proposals.
Chief executive John Cadwallader said: "The innovative concepts and proposed uses for the North Riverside site are testament to the quality of the students on these courses.
"The ideas are going to be considered in discussions about the future development of the site."
Derby Cityscape chairman Peter Richardson said he was pleased to see the students involved.
He said: "For Derby's economy to grow, the retention of graduates is extremely important. I hope that, if only in a small way, the involvement with our work will encourage more students to choose to live and work in Derby."
Additionally, Derby Cityscape and Derby City Council have been so impressed with the students' work that they have involved them in another project.
This is the creation of a three-dimensional computerised model to assist in the strategic location of tall buildings within the city to provide a greater visual insight to potential developers and inward investors.
Programme leader Dr Boris Ceranic said: "I'm very pleased with the professional way that the students have gone about their work on such a major project."
Article Courtesy of Derby Evening Telegraph