Eastgate Marina
The Eastgate Marina concept is to reclaim existing brownfield land adjacent to the river Derwent and create a lagoon accessed via a lock. This location would have excellent pedestrian and cycling links with both Derby railway station and the city centre. It is envisaged that the marina would host some exciting new venues including an iconic 5 star hotel, short term family apartments, family entertainment venues such as aquariums, climbing walls, lidos and activity centres as well as additional bars and restaurants. This location is naturally shielded from major roads at the same time as having good transport links, this would create a tranquil, leafy waterside zone ideal for hotels, holiday self-catering units, exclusive apartments and relaxed waterside dining.
This newly regenerated area of the city would reclaim currently underutilised brownfield land for wildlife habitats and sustainable recreation activities. Travelling from the East, this site would be the first area of the city centre which national and international visitors would see as they travel into or through the city as they approach by road or rail. It would create a stunning entrance to Derby combining natural landscaping and high quality visitor attractions. The marina would have similarities to the very successful Mercia Marina to the south west of Derby which is the UK’s largest inland marina.
This development would take place towards the end of the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust’s masterplan as it would require the Derby Arm and Derwent Wharf and Lock to take place first as an enabler to navigation.