Derby and Derbyshire in 2026: What's on the Horizon?
Derby has been buzzing with changes, especially with the recent completion of long-term projects like the Market Hall. Nadine Peatfield, the Labour leader of the City Council, has highlighted the 'visible and tangible difference' these developments have made. But what does 2026 hold for Derby and the wider Derbyshire region? Let's dive in!
While 2026 might not be as packed with grand openings as the previous year, several significant projects are in the works.
Market Place and Assembly Rooms
Following a £35 million refurbishment, Derby's Market Hall reopened in 2025. The focus now shifts to the area around the Market Place, with plans for redevelopment. VINCI UK and Ion Developments, in collaboration with the city council, are proposing a new hotel and office space on the former Assembly Rooms site. These plans have evolved from earlier ideas for a mixed-use community space. A consultation concluded in December, and the planning application is set to be submitted this year. This also means a decision on the demolition of the Assembly Rooms is expected. The council aims for demolition to begin in the summer of 2026, pending planning approval. The Assembly Rooms, a former gig venue, has been unused for a decade after a fire, with demolition originally slated for late autumn of the previous year.
New Rail Body Location
The current Labour government's Railways Bill is set to create Great British Railways (GBR). This new entity will consolidate the running of passenger trains and infrastructure under one umbrella. Derby has been chosen as the location for the new body's headquarters, though the exact site is still under consideration, years after Derby was initially selected. The government has indicated a preference for a location opposite the new Valliant Live arena in the Becketwell area, a suggestion supported by the arena's developers. Other potential sites include Derby Works, Midland House, Pride Point, and RTC Derby.
Guildhall Theatre
The Guildhall Theatre has been closed for seven years, but renovation work is scheduled to begin, with a total of £24.6 million earmarked for the restoration. The council initially aimed to reopen the theatre in 2027, a year before its 200th anniversary. The next phase of work involves repairing the auditorium ceiling. Extensive damage from water entering the building through the roof and walls was discovered during previous restoration efforts. Initial designs for the building will be shared early this year.
Belper Mills
Belper Mills, a key part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in 'poor condition' after decades of being derelict. A decision on a planning application was initially expected at the end of 2025, but has been pushed to early 2026 by Amber Valley Borough Council. The MP for the area, Jonathan Davies, is urging the council to make a prompt decision. The site owners hope to redevelop the mills into new homes and potentially a museum and heritage center. But given the costs involved and UNESCO heritage concerns, the project is fraught with difficulty. Local leaders are optimistic about significant progress in 2026, with the council now ready to make a decision and potential funding from the East Midlands mayor to kickstart the scheme.
Elvaston Castle
Elvaston Castle is set for significant development this year, with Derbyshire County Council leaders committed to making it break even. The council had previously explored various options for the estate's future, including a £35 million plan that was abandoned due to financial constraints. The estate currently operates at a loss of hundreds of thousands of pounds annually. The council aims to attract new businesses and develop the estate as an appealing venue for the entertainment industry, with the ambition of making Elvaston 'the next Chatsworth'.
County Hall Refurbishment
Plans to convert Derbyshire County Council's headquarters in Matlock into a hotel were submitted in March of the previous year. The proposals include renovating the Winter Gardens, demolishing certain structures, changing the use of the south block into a hotel, converting the north block into flats with commercial space, and outline permission for new homes and an office building. The authority had hoped for a decision in late 2025, which would have allowed construction to begin in the latter half of 2026. However, the application is still with Derbyshire Dales District Council, and a decision this month could mean construction work is pushed back to 2027.
So, what do you think? Which of these projects excites you the most? Are there any you have concerns about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
