THE VICTORIA INN

The Vic, opposite the railway station, could be under threat of redevelopment as residents and businesses in the area are consulted about possible changes to the area. Derby City Council has started work on a new plan for the development of the of the DRI site and the area surrounding the railway station where the Victoria Inn is located. A detailed leaflet outlining potential options for the area will be delivered to properties bounded by Eastgate, the railway line, Bateman Street, Osmaston Road, Bradshaw Way and Traffic Street.

The Victoria Inn, a recognised gig venue on the national circuit, attracts a broad spectrum of talent and is unique in the sense that you never know who you are going to see. Music Promoter and joint Licensee Micky Sheehan explained, "The Vic is renowned for being either an up or a down type venue. Snow Patrol, The Subways and Kasabian have all played here; they broke and went massive. Then we get bands on their way down, for example Dodgy and Bad Manners, to name just two. Bands of all stature play here."

Micky thinks the council are trying to Americanise the city, by glamorising the area that leads through to the city centre. Councilor Martin Repton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, said, "Derby Cityscape's master plan identifies this area as a major opportunity for change and the Council whole-heartedly supports this. Many parts, including the DRI site, have the potential to make a positive contribution to the sustainable regeneration of the area. This consultation will give residents and businesses in the area a chance to put forward their own ideas."

In spite of the project still only being at the consultation stage, Micky is wasting no time and has already stared a petition. He said, "In 24 hours we have managed to get over 1,000 signatures which goes to show the phenomenal support this place will get. I really don't think the place will survive. It's endemic that the council will enforce a compulsory purchase order but I'm going to fight this all the way." Despite such a good response, he is still not confident it will change anything. Micky is also hoping to get some famous faces to support him. So far Bob Geldof, Snow Patrol and Noel Gallagher have all been approached. (Source: BBC News)

Cityscape planners see the Victoria Inn as creating a poor image for Derby. Why can't they see it as being the popular and successful licensed art centre it really is? It is an art centre that is unique in Derby, it is well-served by public transport, aids cultural diversity, serves all sections of the community and does not require a subsidy. Even more appealingly, it keeps an architecturally important building in use. I would expect any sane development plan would want to enhance such a special venue, not demolish it. Now compare the Vic with the Cityscape-approved Quad proposals.

Quad is a building that is controversial in design and positioning, it requires a gift from the people of Derby of over £1m of land and will then require an annual subsidy of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Perhaps the Vic's music is not to the taste of the suits at Cityscape who are maybe more used to cellos and Chardonnay, rather than the Libertines and lager. Why, when Derby is investing millions in erecting the new Creative Industries Initiative buildings in Ford Street, are we also trying to destroy a place where new creative talent can be nurtured and showcased?

Who knows where the next big hit idea will come from? But I bet it will not come from the clone town bars and cafes that Cityscape would like to see 'enhancing' the station area. Yes, the station area needs smartening up and the signposting needs improving; yes there is a need for venues like Quad and the Vic. But Cityscape would be better employed to solve real problem such as how pedestrians are going to cross the racetrack of the inner ring road at Traffic Street. Richard Butler

A new entertainment venue is about to open in Derby city centre - The Royal on Victoria Street. The Grade-II listed former Royal Banqueting Suite was taken over by Nottingham company Delicious three months ago. The venue is split into two rooms and will feature live music, club nights and comedy.

The Red Room, the smaller of the two, will play host to live performances from smaller bands and local talent and the larger blue room will feature bigger acts and the main club nights on Friday and Saturday.

Micky Sheehan, the venue's bookings and promotions manager says the venue will operate in a similar way to Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, playing host to a mix of up-and-coming bands, local talent and larger bands on their way down. (Source: BBC News, Apr/08)