We visit Derby Market Hall for behind the scenes tour showing extensive refurbishment ahead of 2025 launch

A tour of Derby Market Hall has revealed solid progress is underway and the regeneration project is now on track to be completed in spring 2025.

The project update was given by Derby City Council and Hemingway Design team today (Thursday October 19) at the Derby Market Hall site.

A presentation at Artcore, Derby outlined the next chapter in the transformation of Derby Market Hall, with a clear focus on the opportunities for business and entrepreneurs.

In attendance were Councillor Nadine Peatfield (Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism), Rachel North (Deputy Chief Executive) and Wayne Hemingway (Partner, Hemingway Design).

A behind-the-scenes tour followed of the market hall’s working construction site at Osnabruck Square.

Access was given to the live building site which included a walk-through of both floors and the mezzanine level of the Victorian building.

First building phase of Derby Market Hall

The extensive structural restoration of the Market Hall’s cast iron, copper and glass roof was finished in August 2022.

It needed a scaffolding structure weighing more than eight blue whales to complete the works.

Featuring an impressive cast iron and glass barrel-vaulted roof, this will be the only covered market of its type in the East Midlands.

Second building phase of Derby Market Hall

The second phase of the transformation, now underway includes reinstating the original two entrances and installing a grand central staircase.

The old stalls have been removed to reveal a huge open plan space which is hoped to attract a variety of businesses.

On the ground floor were bricks emblazoned with the word ‘Derby’, which gave a special significance to the notion of Derby literally being built up, brick by brick.

With the project on track to be delivered in spring 2025, the next regeneration phase starts with the search for creatives and budding entrepreneurs to trade from the new market hall.

It is hoped the refurbished market hall will bring together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment sectors when it reopens in 2025.

Businesses invited to express interest in new Derby Market Hall

A series of events are now planned for a wide variety of potential businesses keen on exploring a new trading home at Derby Market Hall.

Almost 100 businesses have signed up to attend the first event at the Museum of Making on Monday October 23.

This event will explore how culture and creativity can be key drivers for Derby city’s transformation and growth.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield said: “In our 2023 manifesto we pledged to ensure that Derby Market Hall was the right space for Derby businesses and visitors alike.

“We brought in Hemingway Design and other experts in modern markets of the future to help us reflect, re-assess and make sure the offer was not only the right thing for Derby but a successful offer for such a prestigious venue that we have waited so long for.

“It’s not surprising that so many businesses are interested in this exciting new chapter of Derby’s Market Hall.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for both established and up-and-coming businesses to be part of a modern central hub while benefiting from Derby’s rich history and heritage.

“We aren’t just looking for traditional market traders.

“When it reopens, the Market Hall will offer permanent and pop-up trading opportunities for a variety of businesses – makers, traders, start-ups, creatives, and more!

“We want to hear from as many people as possible, from the experienced trader to the start-up who wants to try out an idea.”

What will be at the new Derby Market Hall?

A new frontage will incorporate full-length windows overlooking Osnabruck Square to open up the area inside and outside the building.

The interior market is set to offer a mix of stalls, including quality fresh produce, a food court and bars, a co-working and events space.

Wayne Hemingway, Partner at Hemingway Design which is the consultancy appointed by Derby City Council said: “The aim for the incoming Derby Market Hall business community is to be a low-risk venture, with affordable and flexible rates and a range of mentoring and support to help businesses grow and develop.”

Councillor Peatfield added: “A vibrant city centre is a key part of Council strategy to drive confidence and investment in the city.

“The ambition is for Derby to become a place where more people actively enjoy a wider cultural choice, and we know that’s what people want from their city centre.

“The Market Hall is one of our most historic and prominent buildings.

“Our vision is to deliver a place where people want to visit and spend time, rather than pass through.

“We want Derby to be ‘the place to be’ destination, attracting visitors from nearby towns and cities.”

The £35.1m project is partly funded with £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Streets Funding (FHSF) and it is hoped the transformed Market Hall will generate £3.64m for the local economy each year.

Anyone interested in being part of the new Derby Market Hall can register their interest on derbymarkethall.co.uk