Derby launches consultation on railway site regeneration plan

Derby City Council has launched a consultation into plans to open up land around its train station for development. The council is seeking feedback on interim planning guidance for the area that seeks to bring historic buildings back into use, deliver new, sustainable housing and reconnect the city with the station. “We now have the opportunity to revitalise this area and create a vibrant new quarter that reinvigorates historic buildings, encourages innovation and provides the space for local businesses to thrive,” said Derby City Council chief executive Paul Simpson. “It will also see a substantial amount of new housing built, for rent and for purchase, in sustainable and attractive settings, with good access to public services and facilities.” Derby first started working up a vision for the area in 2022. Since then, it has been working alongside its development partner London Continental Railways to consider options for the rationalisation and improvement of land around the railway station, which is likely to result in the release of land for regeneration purposes. The Station Quarter area is one of the most accessible and sustainable parts of Derby city centre, said the council, with an opportunity to rationalise and make better use of existing station car parks to unlock development sites. The council said that, alongside new housing, the regeneration of the area west of the station will be a first step in encouraging a westward shift of office occupiers from Pride Park back towards the city centre. “We seek to encourage high-quality new development which will complement and enhance the historic character of the area; act as a benchmark for design quality and help to address climate change,” said the council. “This will include the delivery of high-quality market and affordable homes, which will help to attract and retain talent in the city. The framework will also facilitate an enhanced rail-related cluster, which will encourage innovation, technology and education partnerships, and provide infrastructure to encourage small and start-up businesses to thrive. In doing so, we will bolster the local economy and support surrounding employment, education and community uses.” The site is expected to become home to new national body Great British Railways, which selected Derby as its host city in March 2023.  If the interim planning guidance for Derby Station Quarter is approved, it will guide development and planning decisions in the area until the adoption of a new Local Plan in 2026. John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, said: “Everybody accepts that the railway station area needs a transformational makeover, both as a gateway to the city for millions of people and as a neighbourhood in its own right. The guidance is open to consultation feedback until 13 January 2025. It will then be put in front of Derby City Council’s cabinet.