A Derby based architect supported by Derby Civic Society has now drawn up exciting plans for how Duckworth Square could be transformed into a entertainment hub for the city. This new area of the city centre has been dubbed “the Joseph Wright Quarter” after the acclaimed 18th Century artist. The entire development would be underpinned by a regenerated Hippodrome Theatre which would introduce a high quality venue for operas, musicals, classical music concerts, pantomime and ballets. The restored Hippodrome would perfectly complement the new Assembly rooms, the Guildhall Theatre and Derby Theatre to give Derby a full suite of entertainment venues for every type of event.

The proposed Joseph Wright Quarter would also contain an outdoor amphitheatre public realm space for informal outdoor productions, a University Plaza and Green pedestrian corridor as well as hotels and apartments. This new area would have an exciting character in its own right as well as further enhancing Derby’s beautiful Cathedral Quarter and bringing a huge boost to Green Lane and St Peter’s Quarter by seamlessly bridging the two.