The former Derby Assembly Rooms, partially destroyed by fire in 2014, occupies a pivotal site at the heart of the city. Over the past two years, PlaceCulture has developed the business case and options for a new 60,000 sq. ft. civic building to replace it, working with Ion Developments, Vinci UK, and Derby City Council.

The scheme is conceived as a commercially resilient community hub. Income-generating retail and leisure uses are planned to underwrite a substantial public building, with potential facilities including a new library, casual workspaces, galleries, family amenities, and flexible event and meeting spaces.

Targeting 750,000 visits per year, the project has the potential to transform Market Place and re-energise Derby city centre, creating a civic anchor that combines cultural, social, and economic impact.