Leader wants changes as Derby station entrance 'doesn’t do city justice'

The leader of Derby City Council believes the front entrance of Derby railway station and the resulting passenger experience “doesn’t do the city justice”. Councillor Nadine Peatfield feels some visitors don’t know how to get from A to B once they arrive in the city on the train. She is now setting her sights on improvements to help create a good first impression of Derby.

Her comments come after the Labour-led city council set out major regeneration plans for the “Station Quarter” area of Derby. This includes the front of the railway station at Railway Terrace and the surrounding area

The plans could see new housing and office buildings constructed in a bid to bring more growth to Derby. The council says regenerating the area “will be a first step in encouraging a westward shift of office occupiers from Pride Park back towards the city centre”.

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There are also plans to upgrade the station with a more eye-catching entrance and possibly the creation of a long walkway guiding people to its doors. A public consultation is ongoing and people have until Monday, January 13 to submit their thoughts on the regeneration proposals. The consultation is available by visiting https://letstalk.derby.gov.uk/.

Councillor Peatfield said she wants visitors to have a good first impression of Derby and believes some get confused as soon as they set out of the station doors. She said: "For many, the experience of our city begins at Derby Railway Station. We only have a few opportunities to sway the opinion of a first-time visitor, and our current station entrance and arrival experience doesn’t do our city justice.

“First impressions count. As a gateway for millions of passengers every year, it's crucial that the surrounding area offers an attractive and welcoming environment. Like many cities, our station sits outside of the city centre, and it is not currently clear how you can get to the new Castleward area which is the corridor between the two.

“The moment you step out of the doors, it should be crystal clear which way you need to go. There are lots of ways we can do this.

"The Station Quarter can be a catalyst for growth in our city creating a vibrant, thriving hub for living, working and leisure. I’m so proud of my city and I want others to be too. Let’s change that first impression to one that impresses.

“The IPG (Interim Planning Guidance) document under consultation holds the key to unlocking this potential. I'd encourage anyone to share their thoughts with us."

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The council hopes to be make progress with the regeneration plans next Spring after consultation comments and feedback have been analysed. Planning documents state: “The Station Quarter is one of the most accessible and sustainable parts of the city centre. There is an opportunity to rationalise and make better use of existing station car parks to unlock development sites.”

Councillor Shiraz Khan, cabinet member for housing and strategic planning, added: "This IPG document sets out the direction of travel for planning policy in the Station Quarter.

“It's important that any developments that come forward here are appropriate for the location and space, and the Interim Planning Guidance is key to ensuring this. With it, we will be able to carry out an informed review of any planning applications for the area that may be submitted."

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