Beacon to light the way for a new generation in Derby
Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 26/02/2025
In celebration of the United Nations’ International Year of Co-operatives 2025, Central Co-op has today revealed their plans to relight a much-loved heritage landmark which has been a symbol of homecoming for generations of local Derby communities.
When it was first erected back in 1955, the ’Co-op cow’ occupied a prominent position on top of Derby’s Central Hall building. The original sculpture was designed and built by the Derby Co-op Society as a beacon representing health and wellbeing, advertising the Co-op dairy, and displaying the slogan ‘The Gateway to health’ above a giant crimson cow sculpture which was then aglow with red and green neon lights.
However, the ‘Co-op cow’ soon became a beloved symbol that provided a warm welcome home to locals, many of whom remember it fondly as the official end to their adventures away from Derby.
This now famous landmark sat on top of the Derby Central Hall building which was built to house meetings and concerts for up to 1200 visitors. The hall played a significant part in Derby’s history, staging the 50th Trades Union Congress in 1918 towards the end of the first world war. Its top floor ballroom attracted a host of distinguished performers over the years including the jazz legend Louis Armstrong in 1933.
In 2001, the Central Hall was redeveloped, and the Co-op Cow was removed during roofing repairs. A year later and taking onboard feedback from the local community, the sculpture was repaired and returned to a more sheltered position on the side of the building where it can be found today.
Following Central Co-op’s involvement, and in consultation with Derby Council, the beloved landmark will once again grace Derby’s Central Hall building fully aglow as originally intended but now updated to fresh white light. On Saturday 1st March 2025 the Co-op Cow will be relit by Central Co-op using sustainable LED lighting for future generations to enjoy.
Elaine Dean, Society President, Central Co-op said - “We’ve been aware of how fondly the local community in Derby remembers the Co-op Cow and how it evokes so many happy memories. For decades there has been a local desire to bring it back to its full glow but needed a clear and sustainable plan to achieve it. Central Co-op has listened to the community and taken the opportunity to reinstate this beloved landmark to its former glory using eco-friendly LED lights.
What better way to celebrate the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives and its theme, ‘Co-ops Build a Better World’ than to restore a welcoming beacon of such joy and heritage to our Derby community.”
Derby Central Hall has received significant investment from owners Central Co-op over the years and is now home to a range of businesses at the heart of Derby’s vibrant city centre.
Baggy Shanker, MP, Derby South said - “I've lived in Derby my whole life, so I know just how much the Co-op Cow means to local people - with memories spanning generations. I’m delighted that Central Co-op has brought the light back to this special and unique piece of Derby’s heritage for generations to come.”
A ‘relighting the Co-op Cow’ launch event has been organised by Central Co-op and will take place at a venue overlooking the site from 6pm on Saturday 1st March. Invited guests include Derby’s MPs Baggy Shanker, Catherine Atkinson and Jonathan Davies as well as Central Co-op’s CEO, Debbie Robinson and Society President, Elaine Dean, plus a host of local community organisations.
ENDS
For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk
Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004