Work to restore Pentagon Island’s Derby in Bloom display to begin

7th August, 2026

Work is set to begin on transforming the Derby in Bloom display on Pentagon Island into a vibrant, eco-friendly gateway to the city centre.

Derby City Council is working in partnership with the St Peter’s Quarter and Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Down to Earth Derby to reimagine the prominent site. The project focuses on a new native planting scheme designed to support wildlife and make the area more welcoming.

Reimagining the site with native species will provide a unique opportunity to transform a major city entrance into a healthy green space that gives back to the local environment while supporting the city’s climate goals. The project will also include the creation of a mural on the wall beside the bridge.

Supporting local businesses and boosting city vibrancy are also central to the project’s aims, creating an attractive and welcoming route into the city.

The new layout will feature native trees and shrubs like hawthorn, field maple, and wild privet, along with colourful wildflowers such as foxglove, ox-eye daisy, and red campion. Because these plants naturally belong in local soil and weather conditions, they grow easily and require less routine care than traditional garden plants.

Native trees and shrubs also support hundreds of insect species, which in turn sustain birds and bats that people rarely get to see in busy city areas.

Work on the site will begin on Tuesday 11 August. A temporary lane closure will be put in place to keep workers and drivers safe, with the inside lane closed from 9:30am until 2:30pm Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 August.

After the initial planting, the team will return every Spring and Autumn for seasonal tidy-ups to keep the area looking its best.