University reveals vision for iconic city centre business school

The University of Derby has announced its vision to build a new, iconic business school in the centre of the city.

Set to open in September 2024, the building is projected to be the study base for over 6,000 students by 2030.

The development will be located in Ford Street on a university-owned site opposite One Friar Gate Square – home to the university’s School of Law and Social Sciences.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, the university’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be moving forward with our plans for the new business school – a reflection of our ambitions and commitment to delivering economic, social, environmental, and cultural prosperity to the city of Derby and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership region.

“This new city centre building will not only enhance the area’s appeal and vibrancy but also attract more students to Derby, positively impact the local economy, and provide businesses and organisations with easier access to research, innovation and the business services they need to grow and prosper.

“This is a hugely important project for the university, one that I hope will receive the support it needs to make it a reality.”

Students who use the new business school will benefit from a transformative learning environment in terms of teaching, research, innovation and skills aligned to regional, national and global needs.

The landmark building is proposed to be net zero carbon in construction and operation, aligning to the university’s sustainability strategies and its low carbon expertise and research agenda.

While the existing Derby Business School is currently based at the Kedleston Road campus, the new location will support the university’s ambition to have a greater physical presence in the city centre.

It will provide a central and attractive destination for students, as well as increasing the accessibility of the new business school to residents, schools and colleges, D2N2 businesses and the local entrepreneur/start-up community.

It is hoped the new business school will enable the university to build on its already strong reputation and impact, as evidenced by its Top 20 ranking in the prestigious Guardian University Guide 2021 (for Business & Management and Marketing subjects).

In the 2020 National Student Survey, Business Accounting and Finance scored 100% overall satisfaction, while in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2021, Economics was ranked in the Top 5 for Teaching Quality and Student Experience.

In addition, the university’s MSc Marketing Management had 100% overall satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2020.

Five professors in the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences have also been named in the top 2% of the most highly cited researchers in the world, according to research by Stanford University.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, pro vice-chancellor dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, said: “Our ambitious plans for an iconic new business school, located in the centre of Derby, are part of a broader vision to expand the university’s reach and reputation across the UK and globally.

“To do so, the university must be in a position to offer the best possible learner experience that reflects its values of being bold, brilliant and future focused.

“We intend to build on our already strong reputation to become a leading business school for applied real world learning; one that creates opportunities for a diverse range of students to attain their full potential and become successful and responsible future leaders.”