City Centre Design Guide Consultation

Derby City Centre Character Areas

The quality of design of new buildings and spaces is a key factor in the image and perception of a place. A high-quality built environment will stimulate confidence, bring investment and attract people to live, work and play in the city centre. Poor quality will result in a poor image and lead to further decline.

There are some examples of high-quality new buildings in the city centre that we can be proud of. However, others do not live up to this standard. The feedback we received on the City Centre Ambition document (2022) was clear that we need to ensure that all new development is of high quality to raise the bar and improve the overall image of the city centre.

In response to the feedback, we commissioned consultants to develop a Design Guide document specifically aimed at the city centre; providing clear design principles to ensure that as the city centre evolves, it is inclusive, responds appropriately to its context and prioritises sustainability.

Public consultation on the draft City Centre Design Guide (CCDG) commenced on the 7th October 2024 and was open until the 13th January 2025.

We are currently reviewing the feedback and deciding what changes need to be made to the document. Once this work is complete, the updated CCDG will be recommended for Council endorsement, making the document a material consideration in decision making.