Hollywood stuntman Damien Walters has confirmed that work is progressing on his ambitious project to convert a derelict Victorian foundry in Derby into a multi-million-pound stunt academy and film studio. The development, centered on the former Aida Bliss factory on City Road, aims to create a dedicated space for filming movie stunts and training the next generation of performers. Walters, known for his roles as a stunt double in major productions such as Captain America: The First Avenger and Skyfall, emphasized Derby’s unique position in the global stunt community during recent site visits.
The project, which Walters acquired from Derby City Council in 2023, involves the redevelopment of an 80,000 sq ft (7,432 sq m) site. Plans include multi-storey performance studios, a large gymnasium and a themed café in the western building, with the eastern wing designated for a filming studio featuring interactive theatres designed to “mould AI and physical performance.” Walters stated he is confident the facility will be operational by September 2026, with phased completion aligning with ongoing construction milestones.
Walters highlighted Derby’s exceptional concentration of stunt talent, noting during a February 2026 site visit that the city hosts professionals specializing in high-profile roles such as Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Captain America, James Bond, and Lara Croft. “We have a Spider-Man stunt double here, a Doctor Strange, a Captain America, a James Bond, a Lara Croft – the amount of stunt professionals that come from Derby is incredible,” he said, underscoring the city’s reputation as one of the few global hubs for stunt training and performance.
The initiative has received architectural input from Sigma Architects, who are overseeing plans for the redevelopment. Walters confirmed that the western building has been cleaned, made watertight, and fitted with a mezzanine structure to accommodate multiple performance spaces. The eastern building remains in phase two of the project, slated for conversion into a full-scale filming studio with integrated technology for blending physical stunts with digital effects.
Financially, the project has been estimated to cost approximately £13 million, a figure Walters referenced when discussing the acquisition and renovation scope. Funding appears to stem from private investment through his company, Damien Walters Ltd, following the 2023 purchase of the site from local authorities. No public grants or government funding have been cited in verified reports to date.
Beyond its function as a training ground, Walters envisions the academy as a creative hub designed to attract professionals from across the entertainment industry. “We want to make next door a very creative hub – the magnet to bring anybody in the creative industries into this area,” he stated, reflecting a broader ambition to stimulate economic and cultural activity in Derby’s Chester Green district.
The development builds on Walters’ extensive background in gymnastics and stunt performance. A former British trampoline champion who competed in four World Championships, Walters transitioned to stunt work after retiring from competitive gymnastics in 2007. His filmography includes high-profile credits in Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Ninja Assassin, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, The Eagle, I Am Number Four, Blitz, Colombiana, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Captain America: The First Avenger, 47 Ronin, and Kingsman: The Secret Service. He earned a Taurus World Stunt Award for “Best Fight” in Ninja Assassin in 2010.
Walters also maintains a strong digital presence, with his freerunning and stunt content on YouTube accumulating over 130 million views. This online following contributed to his decision to establish Derby City Gymnastics Club, where he continues to train athletes and produce short-form content.
As of mid-February 2026, visible progress at the Aida Bliss site includes structural reinforcements, weatherproofing, and initial interior partitioning. Walters expressed confidence that the academy will meet its September 2026 target for partial operational use, with full completion dependent on continued investment and construction timelines. No official opening ceremony date has been announced.
The project represents a significant investment in Derby’s cultural infrastructure and could position the city as a leading center for stunt innovation in Europe. By combining practical training facilities with advanced filming capabilities, Walters aims to create an end-to-end environment where stunt choreography, performance, and production can occur under one roof.
For updates on the Derby Stunt Academy’s development, followers can monitor Damien Walters’ official social media channels or consult planning updates from Derby City Council regarding the Chester Green regeneration zone.
If you’ve visited the Aida Bliss site or have insights into Derby’s growing stunt community, share your thoughts in the comments below. Help spread the word by sharing this article with others interested in film production, sports performance, or urban regeneration projects.