Derby secures Levelling Up funding to progress plans for Assembly Rooms site

Derby has secured £20m Government Levelling Up funding towards an ambitious plan to redevelop the Assembly Rooms site.

The funding will contribute towards the vision for a new purpose-built learning theatre on the site, putting culture at the heart of the area’s rejuvenation.

City partners believe a vibrant cultural sector plays a critical part in delivering economic growth and attracting investment. It’s estimated that a new venue would increase theatre attendance by 83,000 and attract an additional 25,000 visitors to Derby each year, generating an additional £1.7m per year for the local economy.

The new learning theatre would also provide opportunities for the wider Derby community to develop skills in the cultural sector. It would create a vibrant cultural heart for the city with the transformed Market Hall and new performance venue at Becketwell, and the existing Déda, QUAD and Museum of Making.

The announcement of the successful bid is expected to act as a significant catalyst in regenerating the city centre and help attract further funding and investment.