Overwhelming Support for The New Becketwell Performance Venue Following Public Consultation Event

DERBY, U.K. - July 13, 2021 - PRLog -- Hundreds of local residents, members of the business community and other stakeholders visited a virtual consultation event to give their views on plans for an exciting new 3,500 capacity entertainment and events venue at Becketwell Derby.

Visitors to a virtual exhibition at becketwell.co.uk were able to examine the development plans in detail and download information about the performance venue, before giving their views on the scheme.

A series of virtual presentations and Q&A sessions also took place, with attendees able to find out more about the scheme, which is being built on the site of the former Laurie House offices and Pink Coconut nightclub in the city.

93% of total respondents agree that Derby needs a new concert and entertainment centre. 91% agree that it will benefit other city centre businesses and 85% agree the city needs a new conference and exhibition venue.

30% would be encouraged to visit by renowned acts and performances, 31% by the diversity of events, 18% by a first-class venue and facilities and 11% by competitive ticket prices.

16% would be discouraged from attending by the fear of crime in this part of the city, 15% by a lack of nearby car parking and 11% by unreasonable ticket pricing.

Located at the heart of the wider mixed-use Becketwell development, the purpose-built venue will be a fully flexible, scalable space capable of staging concerts, stand-up comedy, family shows, musical theatre, conferences, and exhibitions.

The venue will be forward funded and owned by Derby City Council and run by world class operator ASM Global, the world's leading producer of entertainment, sports, and exhibition experiences around the world.

Commenting on the online consultation event, Oliver Quarmby, managing director of St James Securities, said:

"We're delighted with the response to our ambitious plans for Derby's new performance venue. Due to covid restrictions, we were forced to hold our consultation virtually, but have been encouraged by the large numbers of visitors we received to our website and the overwhelming support the scheme has received from residents, key stakeholders the local business community and the public.

"The feedback we've received will help us shape our planning application and ensure the performance venue delivers the maximum possible benefits.

"This ambitious project is set to significantly increase Derby's cultural attraction and the overall profile of the city, and bring an outstanding performance venue to Derby."

It is projected that the venue will host over 200 cultural and commercial events each year and attract an additional 250,000 visitors to Derby. It is also expected to create over 200 new local jobs, generate more than £10m per year and increase levels of investment in surrounding areas.