New business school to kickstart Derby city centre masterplan

The University of Derby has appointed Kier to deliver its new business school in the heart of the city centre.

The development of Derby Business School kickstarts the University’s City Masterplan, which aims to develop its footprint in the city and improve connectivity across its sites.

The new business school is 9,317m² and is planned to include a 233-seat auditorium, a stock market financial trading room, a creativity lab, an extended reality (XR) suite and a range of social collaborative study spaces and quiet contemplation areas.

The new building is projected to be the study base for more than 6,000 students by 2030 and will provide a link between local businesses and the wider community.

Two levels of the building will be open to the public, allowing students, academics, researchers and University staff to work alongside businesses co-located in the school as well as with the wider business community.

Andrew Bevan, Interim Director of Estates at the University of Derby, said: “The development of the business school is a catalyst for the regeneration of our city hub site.

“I’m delighted that we have entered into a contract with Kier to deliver this landmark building, which is part of the University’s broader vision to expand its reach and reputation across the UK and globally.”