Images show stunt academy plan for Derby's Victorian ironworks

BBC News

09-04-2025

Artist's impressions show what a stunt training and film facility proposed for a Victorian foundry could look like.Damien Walters, whose film credits include Captain America: The First Avenger and Kingsman: The Secret Service, is behind a full planning application for a permanent film and stunt academy in Derby.The derelict Aida Bliss factory in City Road would also become a new home for Derby City Gymnastics Club should the scheme be approved by city council planners.In application documents, Sigma Architects, which has drawn up the plans, said: "The large open spaces within the foundry provide the perfect setting for building film sets and testing stunt scenes."
Damien Walters Ltd bought the 80,000 sq. ft site from Derby City Council in 2023.The site has previously been used as a location for stunt work.The firm wants to transform the former ironworks, which has stood empty for more than 20 years and suffered from vandalism and fire damage, in three phases.
The first phase of work, if given the go-ahead, would see the newer warehouse converted into a gymnasium, including a large gym space, performance studios and a cafe.This would provide a new home for the Derby City Gymnastics Club, whose current base at Lancaster Sports Centre within the Chapel Street multi-storey car park is set to be demolished.The foundry conversion would follow to create set areas for filming, stunt work and acting.Sigma Architects said this will add a "high-profile opportunity" for Derby to become "a hub for film-making and gymnastics".A gym and rehab facility in the foundry buildings for athletes and actors, including a small swimming pool, would follow as phase three.
The documents describe the site as "a heritage asset" and state the external appearance of the building would "largely be unaltered" by the conversion.Sigma Architects added in a statement: "The proposals can breathe new life into the building in order to retain the history and heritage of the industrial era of the city."Mr Walters, whose film credits also includes Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, said the aim was to complete phase one of the project in the first half of 2026, and added: "We are thrilled to have reached this milestone and to be moving forward with our full vision for the site."Russell Rigby of Rigby & Co, advisors for Damien Walters Ltd, said: "This project will bring a long-term redundant space back to life, benefitting the local community, and playing a significant role diversifying Derby's economy going forward."Derby City Council will consider the application in due course.