A DAY of street entertainment at the newly-refurbished St Peter's Cross in Derby is to be held to celebrate the completion of £1 million of work in the area.
The development at the junction of St Peter's Churchyard, East Street and St Peter's Street has seen the area transformed, with space for entertainment as well new seating and lighting.
The area has also been re-paved.
And to complement the work at street level, St Peter's Church has been cleaned and new lighting will be installed to enhance its architecture and stained glass windows.
Stephen Jeffery, chairman of the St Peters Quarter Board, which organises activities under the area's Business Improvement District status, said: "The completion of work is a real cause for celebration in this area.
"We have been working closely with Derby City Council to bring St Peter's Cross to the top of the regeneration agenda and we're delighted with the results.
"The regeneration work will bring a renewed vibrancy to the area and create a focal point that will be a much more attractive area for visitors to enjoy.
The work has been carried out by Derby City Council, in partnership with the board, and traders have welcomed the results.
Caroline Cadman, from the Bon Marché womenswear store, said: "The work has really modernised the area and created a much-needed space for entertainment and relaxation in the busy St Peter's Quarter.
"Hopefully, this will encourage many more people into the area."
Gill Barling, manager of Reams Arts and Crafts Supplies, in St Peter's Churchyard, added: "We recently relocated the shop further towards St Peter's Cross so that we could benefit from the additional footfall that this work will hopefully bring.
"It is great that this area, which has sadly been neglected for many years, is finally seeing some investment and we hope that it will encourage more people back."
Councillor Martin Rawson, cabinet member for environment, planning and regeneration and deputy leader of Derby City Council, said: "Investing in the development of this important area right in the heart of Derby is vital to continue to attract people to our busiest shopping street.
"At a time of significant economic challenges, it is more important than ever to ensure that we continue to attract inward investment to support jobs in Derby."
Acts performing across the area between 11am and 3pm on Saturday will include a Brazilian-inspired martial arts group, a belly dance troupe and various singers and bands.
Information about all the businesses in St Peters Quarter is available at www. stpetersquarter.co.uk.
