New theatre scheme for river area

Plans have emerged that could see a big new theatre and hotel complex built on Derby's riverside.

The scheme is part of the Cityscape master plan which is due to be officially unveiled next week.

It is thought it will cost around £20m, with the bulk of the backing coming from private investment.

The council said the theatre, which would replace the Playhouse, was just part of a wider set of ideas for the north side of the river.

But the leader of Derby City Council, Maurice Burgess, warned even if these plans were accepted it would be a long time before work was completed.

He said: "The idea of having a new theatre complex on the north side of the river I think is fantastic and I hope it is one of those things that will take place.

"But it is the sort of thing that may take 10 years to get there."