See how Our City, Our River is about more than flood defences

Published: 21 April 2023

The Our City, Our River (OCOR) team are ready to make a splash at the Derby City Lab.

OCOR will be moving into the venue on St James Street on Monday 24 April for a week to showcase the success of the scheme so far and discuss the next steps.

Visitors can drop in and officers working on the major flood alleviation scheme will be on hand to answer questions about the scheme and what’s coming next at Derby Riverside.

The scheme has its roots in the Lower Derwent Risk Management Strategy that was adopted by the Environment Agency in 2011. Following public consultation, the Our City, Our River Masterplan was adopted in July 2012 with the aim of reducing flood risk in Derby City Centre, regenerating riverside areas, and restoring and enhancing the historical, environmental, and biodiverse sites along the Derwent.

Already the scheme has delivered enhanced flood protection to more than 2000 properties, helping future proof the city against the effects of climate change and creating the resilience to provide new homes and jobs in Derby.

One of the key aspects on display will be how the scheme has enhanced the heritage assets of Derby along the river and celebrated the history of the area. Art and interpretation boards have already been incorporated into landscaping, architecture and green spaces, while a range of archaeological work took place around the Chester Green area.

Visitors will also be able to discover the major environmental benefits that the scheme has been responsible for, including the installation of bat and bird boxes, and how works were carried out with the local plant and animal population in mind.

Catherine Williams, Head of Regeneration and Major Projects at Derby City Council, said:

The River Derwent is one of Derby’s major assets but the city has in recent decades “turned its back” on the river. The Our City Our River programme has already transformed miles of land along the river, bringing new business opportunities, improved resilience, and enhanced biodiversity.

As we start to move towards the next phase of work at Derby Riverside, we want to celebrate all the good work that has already taken place and give the public a chance to come and see what’s been achieved over the past 12 years.

Amy Burton, Marketing Derby, said:

We're delighted to be hosting the Our City, Our River team at the City Lab. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see first hand the legacy work completed by the programme, and to discuss it with those involved in making it happen.

The Derby City Lab, which is backed by Derby City Council, Marketing Derby, The University of Derby and Lathams, opened in July 2022 and aims to engage local people in the city’s future. To find out more about the space, visit Derby City Lab – Marketing Derby.

OCOR will be in the City Lab from 12 to 4pm Monday to Friday from 24 April till the 5 May, except for Tuesday 2 May.

Regeneration