This week, our Project Manager, James Parratt, attended ‘Derby’s First Debate’, hosted by Citrey CIC, exploring the relationship between commerce, culture and the future of our high street.
The discussion centred on an important question: how do we balance the immediate needs of businesses with creating vibrant, lasting places that people genuinely want to spend time in?
With keynote speaker MP Baggy Shanker sharing his perspective on the role of debate, community engagement and the importance of quality third spaces, the event sparked valuable conversations about what the future of Derby city centre could look like.
Citrey CIC is transforming a long-vacant building in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter into a civic and cultural hub focused on learning, creativity, entrepreneurship and community life. By creating spaces for discussion, collaboration and new ideas, they’re helping to shape the future of the city and encourage meaningful community engagement.
As Derby’s longest-established architectural practice, having been founded in 1948 and based in the city ever since, we’re passionate about designing places that do more than serve a function. Creating welcoming, people-focused environments is fundamental to building thriving towns and cities, and it’s encouraging to see organisations like Citrey CIC bringing together businesses, communities and local leaders to discuss the future of Derby.
Thank you to Citrey CIC for hosting and Culture Derby, Derby Museums, Devon Daley and EMA Training for such an insightful panel discussion.