DERBY'S NEW CIVIC AND COMMUNITY HUB
A New Home for Connection, Creativity and Civic Life in Derby
Citrey CIC is a civic and cultural hub founded by two Derby-born entrepreneurs, with a home being created in the former Eden venue on Sadler Gate, a building that sat empty for years and is now being given a completely new purpose.
Citrey CIC is being built to be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn, connect, create, participate and play a more active role in shaping the future of their city. Once fully established, it will bring together residents, businesses, educators, creatives, entrepreneurs and community organisations under one roof — combining culture, learning, enterprise and community in a way Derby hasn't seen before.
WHAT'S ON AT
THE CITREY
Multiple Dates1 day to the eventMon 17 AugStart your week feeling calmer, clearer and more connected.
Multiple Dates3 days to the eventWed 19 AugYou choose the soundtrack and we will bring the atmosphere.- Multiple Dates8 days to the eventMon 24 AugStart your week feeling calmer, clearer and more connected.
- Multiple Dates10 days to the eventWed 26 AugYou choose the soundtrack and we will bring the atmosphere.
Why Citrey Exists
Too many people feel disconnected — from each other, from opportunity, from the decisions that shape their communities. Citrey exists to change that.
We believe cities need spaces where people can keep learning throughout their lives, exchange ideas across generations, build real relationships and engage more actively with the world around them. Not just attend events, but feel genuinely part of something.
That's what we're building. And we're starting in one of Derby's most historic streets, in a building with a past that makes what comes next all the more meaningful.
What We're Building
A culture of lifelong learning
Workshops, talks, courses and conversations that help people keep growing — whatever stage of life they're at.
A place for participation
Encouraging people to engage with ideas, conversations and the future of their communities.
Wellbeing and connection
From early morning coffee raves to community gatherings, creating regular opportunities for people to connect in ways that actually feel good.
Space for creativity and enterprise
Facilities and programmes for makers, creatives, entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop their ideas and build something real.
Civic participation and democratic life
A place for honest conversations about the issues that matter — from local decisions to national debates — where every voice is welcome.
FROM STRIP CLUB TO CIVIC HUB
before the transformation begins
For years, the former Eden venue on Sadler Gate stood empty in the heart of Derby's Cathedral Quarter. Before that, it was part of the city's late-night entertainment scene. Now, founders Lauren Thompson and Katie Astle are giving it a completely different kind of future.
As Katie puts it: "When most people hear what we've taken on, they're surprised by what we're planning to do with it. That's what makes this so special."
Rather than waiting for renovation to begin before opening the doors, Citrey is inviting people inside now. Through Coffee Raves, building tours, workshops, discussions and community gatherings, people can experience the space in its current form, contribute their ideas and become part of the journey from day one.
Lauren Thompson, Co-Founder: "We've got a real opportunity to give a platform to difficult conversations — around addiction, loneliness, exploitation, the future of our city centres — before we renovate the space into something that belongs to the whole community."
This is more than a building renovation, it's a chance to do something Derby can be proud of, and we want people to help shape it from the very beginning.
Own a Piece of Derby's History
As we transform the former Eden nightclub into Citrey, we're giving a selection of original items a new home. From iconic signs to original artwork, every winning bid helps fund the creation of Derby's new civic hub. Own a piece of local history while supporting its next chapter.
GET INVOLVED FROM THE BEGINNING
HELP SHAPE WHAT'S NEXT
Citrey CIC is still in its early stages, and that's exactly why now is the perfect time to get involved.
We're inviting the whole community to help shape what this space becomes.
Whether you'd like to attend an event, share an idea, volunteer your time, collaborate on a project or to discuss corporate sponsorship, we'd love to hear from you.
This is just the beginning, and there's a place for everyone in the story.
The future of Citrey won't be built by us alone, it will be shaped by the people who choose to be part of it.