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Location and Characteristics
Melbourne is a small Georgian market town in South Derbyshire, England, south of Derby on the B587, with a village atmosphere and an attractive range of shops, restaurants and pubs. It is a place steeped in history and that has not lost its identity. At the centre of the village is Melbourne Hall, a medieval rectory, rebuilt by the Coke family in the early 18th Century. Lord Melbourne, Prime Minister to Queen Victoria, inherited the house and estate in 1828.
Melbourne is often bracketed with Kings Newton, a hamlet within a mile or so of the town centre. The combined settlement has approaching 5,000 residents, but this is swelled in season by many more tourists and day visitors attending the local heritage sites and festivals. Melbourne is two miles north of Ticknall, which is home to Calke Abbey, and two miles south of the ancient causeway that runs from the bridge over the River Trent at Swarkestone to Stanton-by-Bridge. Within four miles are East Midlands Airport and Donington racetrack. The town receives a bus service to and from the Airport. East Midlands Parkway railway station is a short drive away near Kegworth, with direct trains to London St Pancras. For further travel information, please go to Transport Direct
Retail Offer
The main shopping areas for the town are Market Street, High Street, Potter Street, Derby Road and Chapel Street. There are additional businesses in Station Road and Castle Street, (including some on the Castle Lane Industrial Estate), selling everything from lawnmowers to Chinese food. The main shopping area is bolstered by two or three courtyard developments, offering boutiques, crafts and gift shops. Of particular importance are Russell Yard and Potters Yard. Retail vacancies in the town are rare, though a small number of premises are available – details can be found in the online vacant property database. This is a testament to the established retailing community and the popularity and prosperity of the town.
Around 65 shops, restaurants and services comprise the visitor offer. Most stores are traditional independent business but there is also a Budgens and a Spar, which have increased the convenience offer in the last decade. There is a branch of HSBC bank and several larger businesses mainly based around the Castle Lane Industrial Estate. The absence of other chain stores in the town, help to add to its character and distinction. The exceptions to this include the renowned Birds baker and cake shop. Naturally there are local butchers and produce sellers and a variety of furniture and antique vendors. Melbourne has an above average retail offer for a small town and includes some exclusive shops offering high quality products, such as furniture and hand knotted Persian rugs. There is also a Fair Trade shop and a fitness centre. The shopping offer includes a range of service businesses, such as travel agents, opticians and hair and beauty salons. There are over 100 free parking spaces locally.
Melbourne has a library, leisure centre and active Parish Council with some of the best sports facilities in the area on the 'Recreation Ground'.
Attractions and Entertainment
Melbourne has a reputation as a tourist destination. There are several reasons for this. Naturally, Lord Melbourne’s association with Australia draws visitors and Melbourne Hall’s Gardens & Pool are part of the its wider attractions. But the Town also incorporates a fine Norman church and the remains of a castle ruined in the 16th Century. Notably, Thomas Cook the travel agent was born in the town. The Melbourne_Festival is an established cultural event which takes place each September. The area has a strong artistic and creative sector with a number of galleries and a dedicated company staging the Festival and promoting local art. Melbourne Fete and Carnival attract visitors too. Serving this interesting tourism offer are a number of B&Bs and farm-based accommodation providers, together with a four star Guest House. As with commercial opportunities, there are constraints on the new development that Melbourne can accommodate, however 130 new homes are currently under construction by Davidsons. There are nine pubs in Melbourne and Kings Newton and some very well renowned restaurants, possibly the best known being the 'Bay Tree'. The 'Melbourne Arms' offers fine Indian cuisine, whilst the 'Melbourne Hotel' boasts a range of highly rated eating experiences. Other successful Gastro pubs include 'The Paddock', the 'Pack Horse', the 'Coach House' and the 'Lamb Inn'. There are several tearooms and cafés including the 'Welcome Café' and 'Pumpkins'. Melbourne has a number of walks and woodlands developed as part of The National Forest. The walks around nearby Staunton Harold reservoir are amongst the most beautiful in the Forest.
Investment and Development Opportunities
The centre of Melbourne lies within a Conservation Area, which aims to protect the special character of the settlement. Opportunities exist both in the town centre and on the nearby Castle Lane Industrial Estate, and there have been some very useful additions to the town through the conversion of older buildings such as former club halls and chapel premises. A unique opportunity for development lies with the 5,280 sqft former offices of the Doncasters Group. This character mill building has space on three floors together with a car park and yard. Outside of the town there a number of farm and nursery premises have undertaken developments and future opportunities, particular for tourism are to be found here. Castle Lane Industrial Estate has scope for further development and there are a number of other properties with office or retail potential. Please check the online vacant property database for further information.
Contact details
South Derbyshire District Council
Economic Development Service
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: 01283 595755
Fax: 01283 595760
Online: contact form
email: economic.development@south-derbys.gov.uk
Page ref: SDDC 436
