New music hope for hospital land

Hospital officials have said they hope Derby can be put on the map with a new development on the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary (DRI) site.

Bosses want to sell off or lease 20 acres of the city centre land following a move to the new city hospital.

Brian Ibell, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust advisor said: "It is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to Derby."

He said he would like to see a music arena or swimming complex at the site.

'More facilities'

Mr Ibell said: "I mention a music arena as one idea because I'm pretty fed up of having to go to Nottingham, Sheffield and Birmingham to see a decent concert.

"People have said to me you go through Derby to get somewhere more interesting and I think it's something that Derby really needs to help put us on the map, whether it's a music arena or a 50m swimming pool."

Mr Ibell said he thought it would take up to two years to stimulate interest from developers and set up a working partnership.

The London Road Community Hospital will remain on the site.

He added: "Whatever money the NHS gets, the major point is that it will be returned to the NHS to provide more facilities and treatment for patients."

The first part of the £334m super hospital on Uttoxeter Road opened to patients in March 2006.

The accident and emergency department moved out of the DRI last month.