THE future of key regeneration sites in Derby is being secured with city council plans to buy up vast swathes of land with the aim of reinvigorate housing, retail and leisure schemes in the city.

Now, an agreement has been drawn up with Rolls-Royce which would see the company working closely with the council if the plan is approved by the authority’s cabinet on Tuesday.

Adam Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the City Council, said: “This is a crucial step forward. The remediation costs are substantial, several million pounds but this is acknowledging that Rolls-Royce, if it wants to give back to the community, will take on responsibility for that.”

The council is also proposing to buy the land in Bold Lane – formerly Princes Supermarket – for £325,000 using money from its regeneration fund, allowing the site to remain in public hands ready for the creation of the scheme once developers come forward.