Derby Riverside – Phase 2

The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust joined forces with a number of other organisations in 2024 to form the Derby Riverside Committee. When it comes to Phase 2, the committee’s role is to develop a technically, economically and environmentally viable vision for Derby City Centre Riverside which can be delivered within 4 years and represents good value for money. Other committee members include Derby Museums, The University of Derby, The Environment Agency, Visit Derby, Marketing Derby and Down to Earth Derby. The capital investment will not come from local council tax payers but from a mixture of government grants and private sector investments

The OCOR 2 flood defence project began construction in Derby City Centre in spring 2026 and is due to be completed in 2027. The project is primarily an engineering solution to prevent parts of central Derby from being flooded during a storm surge; it will include a pleasant, landscaped garden alongside Stuart Street in front of the wall.

However, the Derby Riverside Committee believes that we have a once in a generation opportunity to create a “national destination venue” along the riverside.  The Derby Riverside Phase 2 proposal is to add several features to the riverside in central Derby with particular focus on enhancing the environment around Stuart Street. These gardens are referred to by all parties, as Erasmus Darwin Gardens.

The new features will include 3 new pontoons with 3 new boats including a restaurant boat, food kiosks, a slipway and an outdoor entertainment space. The plans will include a small toilet block and utility provision. A riverside playground is also being considered. Derby Riverside Phase 2 also complements the plans put forward by the Derwent Valley Cycle Way Group by making Derby a destination on the proposed riverside path from the Derby up along the River Derwent to Matlock.

To find out more about this project read our Investor e-brochure; via the link below: