Derby gearing up for busy 2025 as major new venues are set to transform the city

In approximately 15 months, the city is set to be transformed as two key regeneration projects with reach completion.

This means people of Derby will be able to enjoy spaces in the city even more as cultural events and heritage will be championed at two very different venues.

State-of-the-art Becketwell entertainment centre will host 200+ cultural events

Derby’s new £45.8 million entertainment and conference venue which is being built in Becketwell boasts a 3,500 capacity. 

It will host over 200 cultural and commercial events each year, and the venue is expected to attract an additional 250,000 visitors to Derby.

Over 200 new local jobs are set to be created and the surrounding areas will see increased levels of investment.

Although Derby City Council will own the venue, it will be leased to, and operated by ASM Global who manage OVO Arena Wembley, AO Arena (Manchester), and Olympia and OVO Hydro (Glasgow).

Heritage embraced at Derby's Grade II listed Market Hall

The Market Hall which is undergoing a £35 million revamp, aims to offer a curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce.

The building has been undergoing extensive structural restoration. Its cast iron, copper and glass roof was completed in August last year, and it is now in the second phase of its refurbishment focusing on the interior and public space at Osnabruck Square.

It appears to be a food hall format that will celebrate the very best of Derbyshire.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for City Centre,

Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said: “The refurbished Market Hall and the new performance venue at Becketwell are key regeneration projects for the city and I can’t wait to see them completed in 2025.

“Both are brilliant examples of where we’ve been able to combine our city centre regeneration plans, with enhancing the city’s cultural offer. 

“They’re a vital part of the jigsaw in linking parts of the city centre and making Derby a place where visitors want to come and spend time.

“We know this is what our citizens want from their city centre. 

“I’m confident we can deliver a Derby to be proud of, where there’s more cultural and leisure choice for more people.”