Derby City Model shows city centre’s big ambitions

The centrepiece of the new-look Derby City Lab is the Derby City Model – a brand new detailed 3D model of the city centre, which is designed to help visitors visualise the city’s ongoing regeneration story.

Commissioned by Marketing Derby, and created by Derby-based JC Model Maker, in collaboration with SB Modelmakers, the 1:1000 scale model features all of the city centre’s familiar landmarks.

However, the city centre is a place very much in transition – and the model also features new developments, as well as others which are in the pipeline.

The first comprehensive Derby model of its kind, it features over £1.4 billion of investment projects and £594 million of developments in the pipeline.

Measuring 2.5 metres long, the model stretches from Derby Train Station to the University of Derby’s City Hub, and from Green Lane to North Riverside.

Viewers can pick out the river Derwent running north to south, as well as iconic buildings such as Derby Cathedral, QUAD and the two ‘pepper pots’ at Wavensmere Homes’ Nightingale Quarter development.

The 3D model is similar to those found in other ‘urban rooms’, such as one in London.

According to Adam Rodgers, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Derby City Lab lead, it will prove a useful tool in explaining the future direction of the city centre.

He said: “The model is a fantastic new addition to the lab.

“With the development pipeline being easily identifiable, it will allow people to be fully immersed and interact with the development of Derby city centre in a way that hasn’t been possible before.”

The Derby City Model first broke cover at the official opening of the new-look Derby City Lab, which took place in February.

Following Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event at Derby Theatre, VIPs guests went to the lab to witness Derby College Group student Hannah Denis, 17, from Borrowash, open the new lab.

Hannah, who is studying English Literature, History and Music A-levels, was supported at the ribbon cutting by Mollie Cox, environmental and sustainability officer and Carol Dixon, director of employee partnerships at the college.

Adam said: “The model stirred a lot of interest among our invited guests – and now we are inviting the public to come along to the lab and see it for themselves.”