'It's all very real now' as Becketwell Live is just two months off completion

In two months' time work on Derby's newest entertainment venue will be completed and handed over to the operator ASM Global. Already two acts have been booked and revealed - band Wet Wet Wet and comedian Clinton Baptiste - and there are four more undisclosed acts signed up as well as the unknown star attraction, which will officially launch the Becketwell performance venue now called Becketwell Live - probably in late spring or early summer.

The £45.8 million venue took a step towards completion on Friday (November 29) when the final auditorium seat was fixed into place with a special golden seat made for the occasion. Main Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K), developer St James’ Securities, building owner Derby City Council and venue management company ASM Global were there to mark the occasion and were joined by a selection of representatives from B+K’s supply chain who had all worked together to get the project to this stage.

Once the handover is completed, work will begin to complete testing and commissioning, including 150 acoustic tests, at the venue, where work started on building in June 2023.

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The main auditorium has flat floor seating, a lower tier of retractable bleacher seating, an upper tier of fixed seating and there is a ring of VIP seating on the central and side balconies.

Almost 1,500 people have worked on site, 51% are from within 20 miles of Derby and the project has supported 36 apprentices and T-Level students. Robert Kirkland, Bowmer + Kirkland life president, who was at the ceremony, said: “Becketwell Live has been an important scheme for us all. It has continued a long-standing relationship we have with the city of Derby, it will bring vibrancy and much-needed commerce to this area of the city and we are all very proud to have been part of this exciting development.”

Paul Morris, development director at St James Securities added: “We are thrilled to see the Becketwell Live entertainment, events and conference venue reach this important milestone. This project represents a significant step forward in revitalising Derby’s city centre and providing a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the people of Derby and the wider region.

“We are proud to have created a scheme that will bring new energy to the city and provide a platform for a diverse range of performances and events. This is an exciting moment for Derby, and we look forward to seeing the venue open its doors in 2025."

City council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield said that Installing the final seat was a "major milestone" and "in no time at all people will be pouring through the doors. It's all very real now". She added: "We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences from across the region into the city centre to enjoy a variety of performances and functions, with tickets already on sale for some of next year’s shows.

"The final seat is in place but this is just the beginning for Becketwell Live.”

The venue boast six bars, a changing places toilet, fully accessible auditorium and in a nod to the past, the store, which belonged to the nearby Padley Centre, escaped the wrecking ball and will be used to house the stage when it is not in use.

Everywhere there is a maze of small storage rooms, artistes rooms, VIP dining areas and conference rooms as well as a large kitchen and a downstairs area when the entertainers will arrive with their kit and unload.

Outside at the front the finishing touches are being put to the Yorkstone paving and everywhere is now in the final stages of being finished off ready for the on-time handover at the end of January.

Jobs have been advertised for the army of staff needed to run the place and manager Marcus Sheehan added: "The future here is bright, and we’re committed to delivering the very best guest experiences and unforgettable live entertainment. I look forward to seeing you all in a packed-out auditorium very soon."