ASSEMBLY ROOMS
THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS
A large part of the top side of Market Place is taken up by the Assembly Rooms. It was built by Casson, Conder and Partners between 1973 and 1977. It was designed to contain a large hall and a small hall. With bars and coffee shops separated by spacious foyers. The elaborate plaster Jacobean ceiling from the former Assembly Rooms has been preserved and repositioned. In the reception foyer outside the Darwin Suite. The opening ceremony was performed by the Queen Mother. This included a concert given by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
History
The present building has been preceded by two others. The first one was in Full Street and was opened in 1714. It was very exclusive and was conducted by Lady Patronesses drawn from notable local families. They ensured it remained very select. However, the premises were rather small and not of particularly striking appearance. So it was not long before they were considered unsuitable for the assemblies. Later the building was converted into a permanent theatre, which became known as the ‘Little Theatre in Full Street’.
The Duke of Devonshire provided the second Assembly Rooms, sited on the north side of Market Place. Built in 1752-5, they were gutted by fire in 1963 and replaced. However, the stone façade was re-erected at Crich Tramway Museum, now renamed Crich Tramway Village.
The former Assembly Rooms was one of Derby’s very finest buildings and became very popular with members of both sexes. It was unusual in that era for both men and women to attend public entertainment at the same time. There were strict rules on dress and single women had to be chaperoned.
Recent Developments
Following a fire on Friday 14 March 2014, the current building was closed for an indefinite period. The fire was caused by overheated machinery in an air conditioning unit on the roof of the car park. This rendered the air conditioning, water supply and heating inoperable. The car park was soon reopened. Fortunately, the Tourist Information Centre which adjoins it was not affected. Plans have been announced to build an entertainment centre at Becketwell and knock down the Assembly Rooms. A firm plan for replacement is required before demolition.