“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 urban redevelopment 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 on the brink of significant changes. The planning application for this project is set to be reviewed by the Council’s Planning Control Committee later this spring, with the demolition of the Assembly Rooms expected to take around 12 months once initiated.
In the midst of these developments, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Good Friday Derby on April 3, 2026, is palpable. This match will mark the 250th meeting between Hull FC and Hull KR, a historic milestone for both teams and their supporters.
Tickets for this highly anticipated derby are now available 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, although a match ticket is still required.
However, not all news from Derby has been positive. Recently, a man was arrested after a car struck multiple pedestrians, resulting in several serious injuries. Derbyshire police reassured the public, stating, “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, saying, “My thoughts are with those injured and I’m grateful to our emergency services.” Meanwhile, a section of Friar Gate is expected to remain closed for some time following the incident.
As Derby navigates through these challenges and developments, the anticipation for the derby continues to grow. Steve Parry, a spokesperson for the development project, remarked, “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.”
The convergence of urban redevelopment and sporting events paints a vibrant picture for Derby’s future, as the community rallies around both the upcoming derby and the revitalization of its city center.