Derby's Assembly Rooms to make way for new 'cultural heart' of city

An artist's impression shows how the Market Place could look

A derelict venue will be demolished to make way for a new "cultural heart" of Derby city centre.

The Assembly Rooms has been closed since a fire caused major damage in 2014.

Plans to demolish the venue and build a new theatre on the site were scrapped in November.

Derby City Council now says it will make way for a multi-purpose development, containing leisure, commercial and community facilities.

The authority said the development would "put culture at the heart of the city centre".

An artist's impression showing how the site in the Market Place could look was released on Thursday.

Work to develop detailed proposals is now under way, the council said.

The Assembly Rooms was damaged in a fire in 2014

The main structural demolition of the building is scheduled to start in the autumn.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, deputy leader and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: "We're on a journey to transform Derby into a vibrant city centre with culture at its hear, creating a go-to destination which not only attracts visitors from outside of the wider region but also offers an affordable place for our citizens to enjoy.

"It's fantastic to see change happening in the city centre, with the Market Place taking centre stage at the heart of Derby's transformation."

Vinci Developments UK and Ion Developments UK will work with the council on the redevelopment of the site.

Graham Lambert, managing director of Vinci UK Developments, said: "Derby as a city has much to offer and potential to be harnessed.

"We share the ambition of the council, the local community and businesses in seeking to revitalise the cultural core of the city."

Steve Parry, managing director of Ion Developments, added: "Together we will use our extensive experience to creating a thriving city centre location that offers a blend of cultural, community and commercial space to meet Derby's needs, both now and long into the future."