Derby Market Hall hails ‘incredible’ launch weekend: Packed crowds gather, queues around the block
Derby Market Hall celebrated a triumphant return with a packed opening weekend, following extensive restoration efforts.
Derby Market Hall, one of the city’s high profile openings this year, has welcomed the public back following an extensive restoration.
The Grade II listed Victorian market hall was officially opened on Saturday, May 24, 2025 by Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, and the new Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ajit Atwal - nearly 159 years after its original opening.
The revitalised market hall features a modern street food dining area, bars, traditional and contemporary retail units, and creative spaces for artisan makers.
Organisers have hailed the opening day as ‘incredible’, thanking the public for their support.
Councillor Peatfield is Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Strategy and Policy.
She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally welcome the public back to Derby Market Hall.
“Its transformation has been a multi-million-pound effort not only to protect and preserve the Grade II listed fabric of the Market Hall, but to reimagine it – to make it once again the beating heart of our city centre.
“It now showcases the very best of Derby, Derbyshire and our wider region and will be a space not just for shopping, but also for culture and community.
“It is wonderful to see it buzzing with people.”
The unique sound of Deep Down Brass kicked off the festivities, with live music on the Market Hall stage.
Walkabout acts provided entertainment all day and into the evening, while free workshops and family activities were also happening all day.
Opening day was the start of a week-long celebration packed with free music, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities at the market hall.
Anthony Andrews, from family-run Anthony Andrews Butchers, was excited about the opening, and giving people a flavour of Derbyshire.
He said: “I’m really excited to be able to show off local produce from Derbyshire in a historic building.
“I’m also very honoured to be here and to be serving the people of Derby.”
Beyond the fresh produce, shoppers can explore a diverse selection of clothing, pet supplies and gifts, plus services including bike repairs.
There will also be a rotating line-up of pop-up traders offering a diverse variety of goods, from handcrafted jewellery and unique giftware to delicious edible treats.
Dan Bacon and Steph Biggs from sportswear store Layer, said: “We’re really thrilled to bring our vibrant collection of sportswear to the Derby Market Hall and we’re hoping to be a part of growing the running community in Derby.”
The cosmopolitan food court offers tastes from around the world, as well as British classics like gourmet Scotch eggs and pies. Those with a sweet tooth will also find pancakes, crumble, cakes and gelato.
Pasan Nissanka, from Sri-Lankan street food vendor Colombo Street said: “What began seven years ago in a small gazebo has grown into a street food journey.
“It’s taken us across the UK, from festivals and sporting events, to food trucks at buzzing markets.
“Colombo Street is beyond excited to return to our roots in the all-new Derby Market Hall, right in the heart of the city.”
Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the Market Hall’s transformation began back in 2018.
Design consultancy Hemingway Design, and heritage restoration experts Wates Construction brought the Market Hall into the future, while honouring its history.
David Wingfield, Managing Director for Construction East at Wates Group, said: “Restoring Derby Market Hall has been a privilege for all of us at Wates.
“It represents a true team effort, as we’ve worked closely with Derby City Council and our fantastic delivery partners to bring new life to this much-loved heritage building while preserving its historic character.
“The Market Hall is more than just a building.
“It’s a central part of the city’s identity and a place for the community to come together. “Through a shared commitment to social value and sustainable regeneration, we’ve helped create a space that celebrates Derby’s past and supports its future.
“We hope the public will enjoy it for generations to come.”
Derby Market Hall is open 8am – 3pm from Monday to Wednesday; 8am – 10pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am until 3pm on Sunday.
Location: Derby Market Hall, Tennant Street, Derby DE1 2DB
For more information about Derby Market Hall click here: derbymarkethall.co.uk