Underused properties in the centre of Derby could be turned into homes for local artists, designers and craftspeople under plans being drawn up.
Councillors are considering offering grants of up to £50,000 to landlords and business owners to create suitable spaces for individuals and people working in the creative industries. Tenants moving in could get up to £10,000 to fit-out and refurbish the properties.
The council started looking into the idea back in 2018 when it received £350,000 through a business rates pilot scheme to develop a “Make and Trade Zone” for the city centre. The idea is back on the table again following a delay caused by the pandemic.
The zone would follow a similar design to the Sneinton Market Avenues area of Nottingham, which has turned a derelict site into a new home for independent businesses such as bakers, jewellers, woodworkers, publishers, chocolate-makers and even a circus workshop. As well as offering offices and workshops for start-ups in the creative and digital sector, the area hosts regular and one-off events through the year.
A feasibility study for a similar scheme in Derby was completed just as the UK went into lockdown. It identified that the digital, technical and creative industries needed space, ideally in the city centre, to help the sector flourish.
The council is working on the plans with Marketing Derby as well as The University of Derby which already has experience developing and running Banks Mill – a refurbished building in Bridge Street, which has been turned into 38 studios offering business support and stepped rents for graduates and creative start-ups.
Catherine Williams, head of regeneration at Derby City Council, said Derby had always been a city of innovators with a rich heritage of design and manufacturing.
She said: "We are committed to supporting the makers of the future and the continued, long-term cultural vibrancy of the city,
“Dedicated studios would allow our maker businesses to benefit from being part of a vibrant, creative community who actively share advice and ideas, as well as inspire each other.”
