Martin Rawson, a city councillor for Chaddesden West, told committee members the proposals were a “really exciting step forward” in terms of the regeneration of the city.
“We know there’s been a transformation in terms of people’s shopping habits and so the city centre’s got to reinvent itself, and I think this is a really good example of how that can happen,” he added.
Paul Clarke, chief planning officer at Derby City Council, said it was a “really exciting time” to be in Derby and added he hoped the city would see more “intensive taller buildings”.
A report prepared for councillors said the former Eagle Market offered “little in terms of architectural value” and had an “outdated appearance”.
“Despite the reactivation of the former market, the building itself acts as a barrier to connectivity from the bus station and train station, providing a poor gateway to the city centre.
“As such, the demolition and removal of the building would be of a benefit to the city, creating an opportunity for redevelopment and the introduction of a gateway to the city centre from the east,” the report added.