PEEK INTO OUR CITY'S FUTURE
23 February 2008
People have been giving their views on plans to transform parts of Derby city centre.
Streets and public spaces linking key areas will have a major overhaul to improve their commercial appeal.
A two-day public exhibition was held yesterday and Thursday at the Guildhall to invite people's views on improving the route between Westfield Derby, Riverlights and the Cathedral Quarter. The feedback will help shape the future plans.
Urban regeneration company Derby Cityscape along with Derby City Council, design consultant Savills Urban Design and Alan Baxter Associates are collaborating on the project.
Nick Corbett, an urban design manager from Derby Cityscape, said: "I think it is fair to say that this will revolutionise Derby and enhance the city."
As part of the proposals, areas such as the Riverside car park at Cockpit, Morledge, Corporation Street, Full Street and part of Heritage Walk running from the new St Alkmund's Way Bridge to the Spot, would get a new look.
Proposals include a glazed area and orangery at the Sir Peter Hilton Memorial Gardens and a new building, which could house shops or offices at the corner of Corporation Street and Albert Street, replacing the roundabout.
Roads could also be narrowed and pavements widened to give pedestrians more priority over cars and buses. Green spaces and small parks could also be created.
One of the visitors to the exhibition, Rapinder Gidda, 22, of Littleover, welcomed the plans.
She said: "I'm quite happy with what they're proposing. Making the area more attractive would help bring more business to this area."
But Trevor Hill, 75, of Oregon Way, Chaddesden, disagreed.
He said: "It is a sheer waste of time. This part of Derby is closing down and now traders in the Eagle Market are also starting to struggle."
Money for the project will come from both Derby City Council and Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, although no budget has been set yet.
The results of the public exhibition will be revealed at two workshops and more detailed designs will go on show during Derby City Partnership week in June. Work is then due to start on the two-year project in early 2009.
BY SHAUN JEPSON
SJEPSON@DERBYTELEGRAPH.CO.UK