A bustling shopping hub silenced: Derby businesses cry foul over Derbion entrance closure.
The once-thriving Albion Street in Derby now echoes with emptiness, as the sudden closure of a key entrance to the Derbion shopping centre has left local businesses reeling. But here's where it gets controversial: while Derbion claims the closure is essential for Primark's relocation, shop owners argue they were left in the dark, facing a dire financial crisis just before the holiday season. And this is the part most people miss—the human cost of such decisions, as livelihoods hang in the balance.
The closure, intended to prepare for Primark’s 2027 opening, has sparked outrage among businesses like the Olive Tree Cafe and Critical Hit. Kevin Murry, owner of the Olive Tree Cafe, expressed his frustration, stating he was only informed about the closure after work had begun. “We got no warning at all,” he said, calling the lack of communication “an absolute disgrace.” Murry revealed that Derbion informed him the entrance would remain closed for a “minimum of 18 months,” leaving him and other traders scrambling to survive. “Albion Street has gone from being one of the busiest parts of the city centre to one of the quietest,” he lamented, highlighting the dramatic drop in footfall.
Sam Stone, owner of Critical Hit, echoed Murry’s concerns, noting the timing couldn’t be worse. “The run-up to Christmas is our busiest time,” he explained. “The entrance closure has affected business massively—footfall is down, and it’s hitting everyone on this high street.” Stone pointed out that the entrance was a vital walkway for shoppers coming from the bus station, council building, and Market Hall, making its closure particularly devastating.
Sahil Khmer, who works at Mobile Tech, estimated a staggering 80% drop in business since the closure. “We ordered extra stock for Christmas, but now I’m not sure we’ll sell it,” he said. “We rely on footfall, and with fewer people walking past, we’re left with just 20% of our usual traffic. It’s killing all the businesses, not just ours.”
Derbion’s managing director, Beth McDonald, acknowledged the disruption, apologizing to affected retailers and shoppers. She emphasized that the closure is a “necessary step” to safely prepare for Primark’s arrival. However, this explanation does little to ease the pain of struggling businesses. Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield admitted there’s “little we can do” regarding tenants’ rents, urging affected businesses to negotiate with landlords and Derbion directly.
But is this enough? While Derbion’s long-term vision may benefit the city, the immediate impact on small businesses raises questions about corporate responsibility and community engagement. Should large developments prioritize short-term gains over the survival of local traders? And how can we ensure better communication to prevent such crises in the future? We’d love to hear your thoughts—do you think Derbion could have handled this better, or are such disruptions an unavoidable cost of progress? Let us know in the comments below.
