“Developing an exciting and deliverable replacement for the Assembly Rooms has been a long time coming and we know how frustrating this journey has been for residents – I have shared this frustration and welcome the opportunity to enter into a contract with our preferred development partners,” said Councillor Nadine Peatfield.
This statement comes as Derby City Council prepares to appoint Vinci UK Developments and Ion Developments as development partners for the Market Place redevelopment. The planning application for this project will be considered by the Council’s Planning Control Committee later this spring, marking a significant step forward for the community.
In a related development, the demolition of the Assembly Rooms is expected to take around 12 months to complete once started. This project has been in the works since the developers were selected as preferred partners in 2024, and the community is eager to see the transformation unfold.
Meanwhile, the excitement is building for the Good Friday Derby, scheduled for April 3, 2026, at Sewell Group Craven Park in Hull. This historic match will mark the 250th meeting between Hull FC and Hull KR, a milestone that fans are eagerly anticipating.
Tickets for the derby are currently on sale exclusively to 2026 members, with adult tickets priced at £30, concessions at £25, and juniors at £15. Infants aged 0-3 can attend for free, provided they have a match ticket.
In a separate incident, Derbyshire police reported a serious event where a man was arrested after a car hit multiple pedestrians, causing injuries. “Although we know this will be alarming, we would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public,” the police stated. Catherine Atkinson expressed her concern, saying, “My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.” A section of Friar Gate in Derby is expected to be closed for some time following this incident.
As the community navigates these developments, both the redevelopment plans and the upcoming derby match serve as focal points for local engagement and excitement. The anticipation for the derby, in particular, highlights the strong community spirit and passion for local sports.
With the planning process underway and the derby on the horizon, residents are hopeful for positive changes and memorable moments in the coming months.
