University announces vision for iconic city centre business school

The University of Derby has announced its vision to build a new, iconic business school in the centre of the city.

Set to open in September 2024, the building is projected to be the study base for over 6,000 students by 2030, who will benefit from a transformative learning environment delivering teaching, research, innovation and skills aligned to regional, national and global needs.

The landmark building is proposed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, aligning to the University’s sustainability strategies and its low carbon expertise and research agenda. It will be located at Ford Street in Derby on a University-owned site opposite One Friar Gate Square – home to the School of Law and Social Sciences.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “Our ambitious plans for an iconic new business school, located in the centre of Derby, are part of a broader vision to expand the University’s reach and reputation across the UK and globally.

“To do so, the University must be in a position to offer the best possible learner experience that reflects its values of being bold, brilliant and future focused. We intend to build on our already strong reputation to become a leading business school for applied real world learning; one that creates opportunities for a diverse range of students to attain their full potential and become successful and responsible future leaders.”

While the existing Derby Business School is currently based at its Kedleston Road site, the new location will support the University’s ambition to have a greater physical presence in the city centre, providing a central and attractive destination for students, as well as increasing the accessibility of the new business school to residents, schools and colleges, D2N2 businesses and the local entrepreneur/start-up community.

The new business school’s enterprise objectives will also ensure it is central to the University’s ongoing commitment and contribution to the inclusive and regenerative growth of Derby city and its surrounding area.

As well as supporting student growth and diversity, and increasing physical capacity to accommodate the University’s future space needs, the new business school will also increase research and development, innovation and enterprise collaboration between students, entrepreneurs, D2N2 businesses and business school staff to enable business growth and unlock new market opportunities internationally.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Derby, adds: “We are delighted to be moving forward with our plans for the new business school, a reflection of our ambitions and commitment to delivering economic, social, environmental, and cultural prosperity to the city of Derby and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) region.

“This new city centre building will not only enhance the area’s appeal and vibrancy, but also attract more students to Derby, positively impact the local economy, and provide businesses and organisations with easier access to research, innovation and the business services they need to grow and prosper. This is a hugely important project for the University, one that I hope will receive the support it needs to make it a reality.”

For more information about studying Business at the University of Derby, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/departments/derby-business-school/. To find out more about the new Derby Business School, visit www.derby.ac.uk/newbuild.