Iconic Arena wins the Brighter City of Derby award for best new build

Thu 12 Feb 2015

The iconic Derby Arena has won the Brighter City of Derby award for Best New Build of 2014.

Described as “bold, striking and ambitious”, the judges commented that the siting of this important sports and entertainment venue gives it a striking and imposing position next to the city’s football stadium and makes an important statement about the Derby’s sporting ambitions.

The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Shiraz Khan will present the award tomorrow (Friday 13 February) at the annual meeting of Derby Civic Society.

Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said:

“Derby Arena is one of the most stunning sports venues in the country, clad in beautiful Olympic colours. I’m absolutely delighted that the Derby Civic Society has selected Derby Arena for this prestigious award recognising our ambitious plans to deliver on the London 2012 Legacy. Derby people can be extremely proud of this amazing new building and all the sporting and cultural activities it will bring to the city.”

Michael Hall, Partner and Architect at FaulknerBrowns added:

“It’s been a great privilege to be involved in such a special project. The innovative way in which track cycling and multipurpose activities have been combined together is a world first”.

The annual award is made by Derby Civic Society in memory of founding member and architect George Larkin. It was as President of Derby Civic Society, that he instigated the award in the form of certificates as a contribution to the Better City Campaign for projects, which had enhanced the built environment of Derby.

Each year, a trophy in memory of George Larkin, kindly donated to the Society by his family, is awarded to the overall winner in the nest new build category addition to the certificates. Recognition is given both to the developer and to the architect of winning entries.