“Developing an exciting and deliverable replacement for the Assembly Rooms has been a long time coming and we know how frustrating this journey has been for residents – I have shared this frustration and welcome the opportunity to enter into a contract with our preferred development partners,” stated Councillor Nadine Peatfield, highlighting the ongoing redevelopment efforts in Derby.
As Derby City Council prepares to appoint Vinci UK Developments and Ion Developments as partners for the Market Place redevelopment, the city is also grappling with a serious incident. Recently, a man was arrested after a car struck multiple pedestrians, resulting in several serious injuries. Derbyshire police reassured the public, saying, “Although we know this will be alarming, we would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.” Catherine Atkinson, a local representative, expressed her concern, stating, “My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.”
Amidst these developments, excitement is building for the upcoming Good Friday Derby, scheduled for April 3, 2026. This match will be particularly significant as it marks the 250th meeting between Hull FC and Hull KR, two fierce rivals in the rugby league.
Tickets for the match are now on sale exclusively to 2026 members, with adult tickets priced at £30, concessions at £25, and juniors at £15. Infants aged 0-3 can attend for free, provided they have a match ticket. The anticipation surrounding this historic derby is palpable, as fans eagerly await the showdown.
Steve Parry, a representative from the development team, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We are looking forward to progressing through the various stages of the development process, including securing planning consent which will enable the demolition of Assembly Rooms and multi-storey car park, to be implemented.”
In addition to the derby preparations, the demolition of the Assembly Rooms is expected to take around 12 months to complete once it begins. The planning application for the Market Place redevelopment will be reviewed by the Council’s Planning Control Committee later this spring.
As Derby continues to evolve, the community remains engaged with both the redevelopment efforts and the excitement of local sports events. A section of Friar Gate in Derby is expected to be closed for some time following the pedestrian incident, indicating ongoing safety measures in the area.
With the derby approaching, local supporters are reminded of the importance of community spirit and safety as they prepare to cheer on their teams in this historic match.