The Central Corridor is a compact but strategically important area within Derbyshire Dales.  It is the section of the Derwent Valley between Rowsley and Cromford together with the adjacent town of Wirksworth.  From north to south the Central Corridor measures eleven miles and takes in Rowsley, Darley Dale, Matlock, Matlock Bath, Cromford (all on the A6) and Wirksworth, and nearby villages and settlements.  Although the Central Corridor covers only 10% of the total area of Derbyshire Dales, 35% of the District’s population and 40% of its businesses are located here.

There are already a number of regeneration projects and initiatives in the Central Corridor including those schemes being brought forward in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Management Plan, Cawdor Quarry redevelopment and Market Town Initiatives in Wirksworth and Matlock.  The ultimate responsibility for delivering projects varies from project to project but the District Council is the lead partner for Matlock Parks Project, Redevelopment of Matlock Bus Station site, Matlock Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme and the Central Area Leisure Centre.  

In February 2003 the District Council appointed an officer (joint-funded by emda) to co-ordinate the wide range of Central Corridor projects in order to maximise their economic, social and environmental benefits.  As well as continuing to play a key role in all the existing projects, the District Council will explore opportunities for new projects, partners and funding in the Central Corridor.  It is intended that a Central Corridor partnership will be established by the end of 2004 and a comprehensive strategy and action plan will be prepared for the Central Corridor Regeneration Initiative.  The Action Plan opposite is a summary of those areas where the District Council is playing a leading role, and which are not covered by other sections of the Promoting the Dales strategy.

For a full summary of the Council's Regeneration Initiatives see the Promoting the Dales Strategy Click Here