Key works to help create an improved public space were officially launched in Derby this morning (March 21) – part-funded by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The event was held at The Spot, on the corner of St Peter’s Street, Derby City Centre. It was attended by Peter Gadsby, D2N2 LEP Board Member (pictured third from left) and Chair of D2N2’s Infrastructure and Investment Board (IIB); Councillor Martin Rawson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration at Derby City Council; the St Peter’s Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), as well as contractors and local businesses.
Derby City Centre’s The Spot, is a Derby City Council project and looks to create an attractive and distinctive public area in Derby City Centre and increase footfall. The redevelopment of the area will create an exciting space for traders, street musicians and members of the public to meet and is expected to be fully completed in late October (2016).
It is part of the wider £1.26million Derby Connected Cycle City and Placemaking project. Up to £750,000 is being given towards this by D2N2, from its £192million Local Growth Fund (LGF) allocation from Government.
D2N2 is the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and is a private-sector-led partnership of businesses, local authorities, skills and training providers and community and voluntary organisations. It works to grow its areas economy, with the overall aim of creating 55,000 new jobs in ten years (2013-2023).
It Infrastructure and Investment Board (IIB) – chaired by Mr Gadsby – meets periodically to review and approve various infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the local economy, such as The Spot redevelopment.
David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Making our city centres more attractive places to walk and cycle around does have a positive economic impact, and can help bring businesses back to commercial areas that may be struggling.
“D2N2’s Infrastructure and Investment Board saw the potential of the Derby City Council scheme, which is why it has approved more than half of the funding needed.”
Councillor Martin Rawson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration, said: “The public and local businesses have told us what they want to see in the area and I am delighted to see work start on what will be a very attractive area for people to enjoy.”
He added: “We are delighted that D2N2 have chosen to support this project with funding from the Local Growth Fund. Without this, the project wouldn’t be going ahead. To secure this funding we have had to prove the economic benefits this project will bring for Derby City Centre, and we are certain businesses in the area will benefit greatly.”
For more information on D2N2’s IIB Board, click here
To learn more about what D2N2 is using its LGF allocation for, click here
For more on the Spot Project, click here
Media wanting more information on the above should contact Sam Burbage, Social Media and Marketing Officer at the D2N2 LEP on 01159 578254, or by email at sam.burbage@d2n2lep.org
