“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, addressing the recent appointment of Vinci UK Developments and Ion Developments as partners for the Market Place redevelopment in Derby.
This announcement comes as the city grapples with a serious incident where a man was arrested after a car hit multiple pedestrians, leaving some seriously injured. “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,” stated Derbyshire police.
Catherine Atkinson, expressing her concern, remarked, “My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.” The incident has led to the closure of a section of Friar Gate, raising safety concerns among residents.
Meanwhile, excitement builds for the upcoming Good Friday Derby match on April 3, 2026, which will mark the 250th meeting between Hull FC and Hull KR. Tickets are currently on sale exclusively to 2026 members, with prices set at £30 for adults, £25 for concessions, and £15 for juniors. Infants aged 0-3 can attend for free with a match ticket required.
This historic match is anticipated to draw significant crowds, further highlighting the importance of public safety in the area. As Derby City Council prepares for the planning application for the Market Place redevelopment, which will be reviewed by the Planning Control Committee later this spring, the demolition of the Assembly Rooms is expected to take around 12 months to complete once started.
Steve Parry, a representative from the development team, expressed optimism, stating, “We are looking forward to progressing through the various stages of the development process, including securing planning consent which will enable the demolition of Assembly Rooms and multi-storey car park, to be implemented.” This redevelopment is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the city center.
As the community navigates these developments, the anticipation for the derby match continues to grow, promising a thrilling event for fans and residents alike.