Back

January 20th, 2025 | 2 mins

Delivering Derby’s Becketwell Live on time and on budget

news image

Built on the site of the former Pink Coconut nightclub, Becketwell Live is a major part of Derby’s £200 million regeneration and will host a range of events, from concerts and comedy to exhibitions and business gatherings.

Working in close collaboration with developers St James Securities, owners Derby City Council, and operators Legends and ASM Global, our North Midlands & Yorkshire team has brought this major project through to practical completion. The venue has now been formally handed over and will soon welcome the public to experience a dynamic programme of entertainment in the heart of the city.

The flexible layout includes retractable bleacher seating, floor seating, and fixed upper tier seats, complemented by high-performance acoustics and purpose-built backstage facilities.

The scheme is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors annually and generate over £10 million in GVA per year for the local economy, helping to significantly boost the night-time economy and investment in the surrounding area.

Commenting on practical completion of the arena, Paul Morris, Development Director at St James Securities, said: “The completion of Becketwell Live marks a transformative moment for Derby, delivering a world-class venue that will and drive significant economic growth and serve as a catalyst for the city's future regeneration. “This project has been more than five years in the making, and we are immensely proud to have developed a venue that will attract top-tier events and enhance the city’s cultural vibrancy, enriching the lives of its residents.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Culture said: “This is a huge leap forward in the Becketwell journey, bringing us much closer to realising our vision of transforming Derby into vibrant city centre that prioritises and celebrates culture.

“A huge thanks to all of our partners and everyone involved for their incredible work on this project. This has been a long time in the making and I’m very proud that we’ve been able to support our partners to reach practical completion on time and on budget.

“Becketwell Live will provide a significant boost to our city’s cultural sector and economy and we can’t wait to open the doors to the public this Spring.”

Marcus Sheehan, General Manager of Becketwell Live said: “This is yet another exciting milestone as we move closer to opening the doors of Becketwell Live. Thanks to the brilliant teams who have done an incredible job in bringing this venue to life, ready to bring the very best in live entertainment to the heart of Derby.”

Gus Kedzior, Bowmer + Kirkland’s Regional Director for North Midlands & Yorkshire said: “We are incredibly proud to have been appointed to build this amazing landmark venue in Derby. Our site team has done a great job in ensuring this project has been handed over on time, within budget, and we are thrilled with the final outcome.

“It really has been a team effort throughout, and a pleasure to work collaboratively with St James Securities, Legends and ASM Global, and Derby City Council. Becketwell Live will now become the third scheme we have completed for DCC, joining Moorways Sports Village and Derby Arena.”

News & Insights

More news

View all news + insights

View news story

April 28th, 2026 | 3 min

Bowmer + Kirkland partner with Derbyshire FA to support grassroots football

Bowmer + Kirkland has announced a new sponsorship partnership with Derbyshire County FA, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to supporting local grassroots football across the county.

View news story

April 21st, 2026 | 3 min

Bowmer + Kirkland announces charity partnership with the Teenage Cancer Trust

Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) has announced that it will be supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) as its official charity partner for the next two years, committing to raise vital funds to support young people facing cancer across the UK through a wide range of fundraising initiatives.

View news story

April 21st, 2026 | 3 min

Bowmer + Kirkland tops out at Glenbrook’s latest Leeds development

A topping out ceremony has been held at Glenbrook’s latest build-to-rent scheme, Regency Works in Leeds.

View news story

April 14th, 2026 | 3 min

Bowmer + Kirkland to host UKREiiF Fringe event in Leeds

Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) will host its first fringe event alongside UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May 2026, inviting clients, investors and industry partners to connect during the UK’s leading real estate and infrastructure gatherings.

View news story

April 1st, 2026 | 3 min

Strengthening safety at height with specialist First Responder training

First aid colleagues across two live Bowmer + Kirkland projects have successfully completed a specialist Tower Crane Emergency First Responder training course, enhancing our teams’ ability to respond to emergencies in some of the most challenging environments on site.