‘Eyesore’ Gospel Hall May Transform into Shopping Space, Derby Residents Skeptical
Plans to convert a vacant gospel hall into retail units face local skepticism in Derby
Derby, Normanton Road, Gospel Hall, Retail Units, Bobby Virk
Derby: Residents near a former gospel hall are not convinced about new plans. The building, called the Normanton Road Gospel Hall, has been empty for about four years. A planning application aims to turn it into six retail units.
Bobby Virk submitted the application with help from AK Innovative Design Solution Ltd. The hall sits next to a council-owned car park on busy Normanton Road. It looks disused, with abandoned items like a sofa and old furniture outside.
The planning documents don’t specify what types of shops will open there. However, they suggest the shops could operate from 8 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. The proposal claims it will enhance Normanton Road’s vibrancy, a key commercial area in Derby.
Despite the plans, local residents are skeptical. One resident, Dana, expressed her concerns about the area’s condition. She mentioned that people often litter around the building, making it look dreadful.
Another resident, Anita, also shared her thoughts. She called the building an eyesore and said it has looked that way for a long time. She believes any change would be better than the current state, but she is unsure about the types of shops proposed.
The planning statement notes that the building has deteriorated due to neglect. The goal is to revitalize the site and improve the visual appeal of Normanton Road. A consultation on the plans is open until February 19, with a final decision expected by the end of March.