First glimpse of new-look Derby City Lab

Following Marketing Derby’s Annual Business Event, some of the delegates were treated to sneak preview of the new-look Derby City Lab.

Housed in a unit on Level 2 of the Derbion shopping centre, the aim of the city lab is to engage the wider community in better understanding the evolution of the city and investment pipeline.

When it was first launched in 2022, it was housed in a unit in St James’s Street, provided courtesy of Clowes Developments.

Now, the city lab, which is a public/private partnership involving Marketing Derby, Derby City Council and the University of Derby, has moved to Derbion, which becomes one of its partners for 2024.

The new incarnation of Derby City Lab houses the City Living Room, which includes detailed information about the city’s investment pipeline.

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

On Tuesday 20 February, two students from Derby College Group cut the ribbon on the lab, which will open its doors to the public seven days a week from Monday 4 March.

Manned by Marketing Derby staff and newly recruited customer assistants, the lab will host a rolling programme of dynamic exhibitions and discussion groups focused on ideas to regenerate Derby.

Adam Rodgers, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby and Derby City Lab lead, said: “Our fantastic new location will enable us to build on the huge success of the award-winning lab.

“It presents a great opportunity to engage with a wide variety of people, gain their feedback and discuss ideas on regenerating the city centre.”

The new lab is located on Level 2 of Derbion, next to Castle Galleries and opposite Frasers/Sports Direct and M&S.

For more information on visiting the Derby City Lab, please visit click here.