The project aims over the next five years, through offering grant aid, to restore the historic buildings in the area and kick start its regeneration.

The council will work alongside the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) on this scheme to offer grant aid to building owners for building works to bring back the special delight of the area; sympathetically restoring and enhancing historic features and bringing back vacant floor space. The THI will also provide opportunities for local people and builders to learn more about the area and how to conserve historic buildings.

The scheme seeks to complement the wider city centre regeneration to act as a catalyst to regenerate the area and should assist in regeneration of nearby historic assets.

The council and the local BID wants to see the area become a high quality destination for business, leisure and tourism, as part of the wider city centre. It is hoped owners will be able to apply for grants early next year.

The area is the city centre’s traditional shopping area and a key link between the Cathedral Quarter and Westfield Derby. It has within it lovely historic buildings, including many from the 18th and 19th century such as the former Quicksilver building and St Peters Church.

Councillor Asaf Afzal, Heritage Champion of Derby City Council said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised the importance of this historic area of Derby and has committed to invest in its renewal. This part of the city centre has declined in recent years and working with local business community through the St Peters Quarter BID we are determined to help bring it back to life.

“We are committed to maintaining an attractive city centre that will appeal to both residents and visitors alike, boosting the local economy. The Green Lane area has tremendous potential to develop into a vibrant and thriving area right at the heart of our city. We’re confident this major redevelopment will bring an exciting and vibrant feel, and improve the attractiveness of the area as a whole, creating a shopping destination to be proud of.”

Vanessa Harbar, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, added: “The regeneration of town centres is a vital way in which we can contribute to improving local economies and quality of life. This project provides jobs and training opportunities for local people, which is why we feel hugely optimistic about the long-term impact of these proposals. We are delighted to make this award as part of our on-going commitment to preserving Derby’s heritage.”

Stephen Jeffery, Chair of the St Peters Quarter Board, which drives forward activities under the area’s Business Improvement District status, continued: “This is great news for a core part of the St Peters Quarter and comes hot on the heels of the positive news that plans for the nearby Duckworth Square are finally starting to proceed.

“The BID has been working proactively with Derby City Council to secure the funding and the feedback from the Heritage Lottery Fund was that they were very impressed with the commitment from all parties under this partnership programme to put this funding to the best use for the Green Lane area.

“This funding is therefore very much welcomed by the businesses in the area and will greatly contribute to the overall work by the BID and its partners to bring this part of the St Peters Quarter back to life and make it the quality destination that it once was.”

Further information

Derby City Council: Ruth Sadler, Communications Officer on 01332 643 500, email: press.office@derby.gov.uk.