Friar Gate Goods Yard

Written by Murray:

What do you think to the proposals put forward to redevelop the land by Friar Gate Goods Yard at the end of Uttoxeter New Road? The land has been left derelict for quite some time and an injection of investment could bring this part of Derby back to life. It’s close to the city centre and will be close to the new Lidl which will open across the road.

What ideas do you have to redevelop the land? Some people have said a theatre, a park, an ice rink, a village for the elderly and new homes. It’s in a good spot, being so close to the city centre and on the inner ring road.

I would also like to give a Plan B: build a recycling plant.

Here are my reasons. There has been an increase in housing developments in the city and along Uttoxeter New Road. There’s the established pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes in the city centre. There’s also an extensive events calendar for the Market Place and the city centre. And there’s the new Becketwell Arena being built only a short walk away.

If a new recycling plant was built, it would support all these groups and especially the new events for the Market Place and the new Becketwell Arena.

There could be full-time teams that work there. There could also be voluntary teams that could do short shifts of two and four hours to support the full-time teams. There could be a huge cafe area. The voluntary teams could be given free breakfast, lunch and tea depending when their shifts start. And also snacks or sandwiches on breaks.

I think this plan B would really support the city centre events and also the new residents moving into the city centre.

What do you think to Plan B? Would a recycling plant so close to the city centre make sense, or do you have another idea that you feel would bring the area back to life?