Major revamp will provide 'well needed footfall' in Derby station area, readers say

Derby City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to revitalise the city's "Station Quarter", in a bid to attract jobs and workers back to the city centre. The area surrounding Derby’s railway station is poised for significant transformation, according to the council's newly revealed masterplan. Derbyshire Live readers are mainly in favour of the project, but think the plans should go further.

The vision for the area, as depicted in an image released by the Labour-led council, includes a new walkway from the station entrance to Midland Road, a revamped entrance and signage for Derby Midland Station, and the addition of new apartments and office space.

Following the near completion of its £100 million Castleward estate, the council is now shifting its focus towards the Railway Terrace and Midland Road area. It is seeking public opinion on the future of what it describes as "one of the most accessible and sustainable parts of the city centre" – now dubbed the Station Quarter.

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The council believes that rejuvenating this area will encourage businesses currently based in Pride Park to relocate back towards the city centre. This shift is likely to be welcomed by businesses in the Midland Road area, who have previously expressed concerns about public behaviour in the vicinity.

Commenter Emileeee asked: “Who gave permission for Pride Park to be built in the first place, taking jobs out of the city? Been saying for ages if you allow shops and businesses to build out of town it will have a detrimental effect on the High Street, it’s a bit late to realise that now.”

Chaddram replied: “I’m all for this - more homes, more jobs and more well needed footfall for the area. No problem with apartments, just hope they are not blocky like the rest around Derby. I would love to see a bit of imagination, not just 5 storeys all the way across but bet they will be. The train station could do with being done up as well.”

Expotter agreed: “They should never have demolished the old station. The new one is soulless. I know the old station wasn't great but at least it had some character. Getting rid of the mess of shops opposite the station would help improve the area.”

Emileeee added: “I agree that the station does look soulless and should look better, is there not a way to redesign its facade, not rebuild it but redo the facade to look like it used to? Surely a good architect could come up with a plan to cover the current one up with a more Victorian looking one? Alternatively do the same but with an ultra modern design and compliment that with the design of the rest of the area?”

Boyfrombrazil is not optimistic: “I love these architect images from the students at Derby university. They never get built like that. We will end up with the main building being the GBR headquarters, probably Midland House and a new adjoining small building of say 3 or 4 storeys and a few low rise apartment blocks heading up towards London road and that will be it.

"I am tired of promises to make our great city better. When I look at other cities similar size or bigger, they have lots of cranes on their skyline and Derby has how many? One I think, on London Road at the old DRI site? With big international companies like Rolls-Royce Alstom, Toyota, in our city I am really surprised there is not much more going in the building and construction of new apartments and office buildings? Where are all the visionaries? The planning departments of these construction companies need to go look at Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester or Leeds and see what can be done.”

bonzo@28 added: “I wonder how long this idea will take to come to fruition? It’s taken 10 years for a decision on the Assembly Rooms and they are still no further ahead. It beggars belief some of the decisions by the Derby City Council.”

Bobterry wrote: “It's not going to make the walk to the bus station or Derbion any more appealing though is it?” ProudOfDerby2 agreed: “Nice idea, but if you want people to be impressed when they arrive, then improve the whole city and the vibe around it.”

How do you feel about the new station area makeover plan? Will it make Derby more attractive for visitors? Have your say in our comments section.