Expanding Derby retail and leisure destination, Derbion, has announced another year of significant growth with over £5.2 million invested into the centre by retailers through new lettings, store upsizes and refurbishments.
Across the year, 13 new brands have opened their doors at Derbion including three new restaurants in the recently refurbished Food Terrace, which is now fully let following a £2m investment by the centre. Chi, Tortilla and Villa Express have completed the line-up of food and drink operators which also features Popeyes, KFC and Burger & Sauce. Subway and GDK have also invested in their presence at Derbion through a refit and relocation.
Derbion has continued to expand its breadth of retailers this year, welcoming global cosmetics retailer Rituals and lifestyle brand MINISO alongside travel operator TUI and iconic fragrance company Yankee Candle. Local fashion retailer, 1NE., is the latest independent to open at Derbion as a result of the centre’s Hatch initiative, which supports small business owners to take their brand to the next level.
Alongside new lettings, over £3 million has been invested by existing retailers through refurbishments and store upsizes. Luxury watch and jewellery retailer, Goldsmiths, has revamped its showroom, extending its footprint by 1,000 sq ft to showcase a wider range of big-name brands, and will open a second store before Christmas featuring Breiting, Tudor and Omega. Renowned jeweller Beaverbrooks has increased its store to 1,628 sq ft, introducing a new standalone TAG Heuer boutique.
The centre’s longer-term development potential took a step forward in 2023 with planning permission granted for the Derbion Masterplan, subject to approval by the Secretary of State. The Masterplan is an ambitious framework for the next 10 years and beyond designed to support the existing retail and leisure centre and its significant position in Derby city centre. Proposals include new homes and commercial uses alongside public spaces and walkable streets to integrate these sites with the rest of Derby City Centre and improve connections with the River Derwent.
Managing Director at Derbion, Beth McDonald, said: “Since we transferred to new independent ownership in 2021 we have successfully delivered a strong leasing strategy that has transformed the centre with a wide range of leading retail and leisure brands, and this year has been no exception.
“We continue to broaden our offer for customers through new and exciting openings and expanded stores in addition to playing an important role in our wider community and the city of Derby.
“Our Derbion Cares charitable initiatives have included our hugely popular school uniform swap shop, designed to support families across Derbyshire with the rising cost of uniforms.
“This year we have also continued our sponsorship of the flagship running event, the Derbion Ramathon, alongside supporting the fantastic Museum of the Moon at Derby Cathedral, all helping to bring wider footfall to the city centre.
“Leasing momentum continues into 2024 and we’re looking forward to announcing our next phase of lettings in the new year.”
