Derby City Centre has undergone a transformative green makeover thanks to funding from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
New planters have been installed around the city centre, giving a fresh and vibrant feel to the area.
Many of the new planters have seating incorporated, which has been designed to be accessible to all visitors. Whether stopping for a quick rest or enjoying the sunshine, people can now experience Derby in a whole new way.
Alongside the new planters, residents will already be familiar with the living roof bus shelters, which continue to be installed around the city. On top of being more visually appealing, these shelters also provide food sources and habitats for a wide variety of pollinating insects.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:
This project marks a real step forward in making Derby a greener, more climate-conscious city. By adding trees, plants, and accessible seating, we’re turning grey spaces into greener, more welcoming areas.
Over the last year I have been holding several events with schools across the city as part of the Derby Promise. Their voices have been clear; make our city greener. I hope that they like the new greening of our city.
These changes not only improve the look and feel of our streets, but also support biodiversity, help tackle air pollution and create a more resilient urban environment for the future.”
These new planters have been installed by Whitehouse on behalf of Derby City Council.
Whitehouse Construction said:
As a leading Civil Engineering Company based in Derbyshire, Whitehouse Construction felt privileged to be involved in such a fantastic, uplifting project, aimed at improving Derby City Centre. It's incredibly fulfilling to see the parklets we’ve created around the city being used and enjoyed by the public.”
In 2020, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council secured £161m from the Transforming Cities Fund to invest in local transport infrastructure that will improve sustainable transport options, support growth, and encourage more low carbon journeys.
As part of this wider vision, Derby’s city centre streets have been reimagined to provide improved access for road users and pedestrians, improve traffic flow, and reduce emissions. This includes new segregated cycle lanes, wider pavements, and improved traffic signals.
The greenery and seating has been strategically placed where Transforming Cities infrastructure works were completed. These enhancements are not just aesthetic, but are helping to revive Derby’s city centre by creating a more pleasant environment that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and encourages sustainable travel choices.
The new planters and seating areas are the latest in our plans to make Derby a greener city. Six new pocket parks have recently been installed around Derby, providing an accessible, safe space for citizens to take a break.
The Transforming Cities Fund works support actions in the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan to increase active and sustainable travel, increase biodiversity which in turn improves health and wellbeing whilst supporting the local economy.