'Slow burn': Council hits back at claims Derby Market Hall is ‘flat’ after 51,000 December visitors

More than 50,000 people visited Derby’s Market Hall last month – a report states – after concerns its footfall numbers were “dropping off a cliff”.

Derby City Council has released details of visitor numbers to the city during the festive season and its events. 

The authority said an estimated 51,000 people visited the Market Hall throughout December and the city’s Christmas Lights Switch-on was a success following its move to a weekday.

More than 34,000 people visited in its first few days back in May, but there were reported concerns its visitor numbers had “dropped off a cliff”.

And Reform councillor Stephen Fowke told bosses this week he felt the city centre venue was “flat”.

His comments were made during a council meeting on Monday (January 19), which discussed Derby’s Christmas offer of events.

He said: “This is out of your remit, probably, but I thought the Market Hall was flat. There were some lovely singers on, but otherwise it was just flat.

“But I think that’s how the Market Hall is at the moment full stop.”

This week, the council announced more traders would soon be arriving at the Market Hall. It said some of the new businesses have transitioned from successful pop-up stalls to permanent units. 

A fashion boutique, gardening supplies business and a haberdashery have become the latest independent traders to sign up for permanent space.

Robbie Kerr, head of culture and leisure at the city council,  said at the meeting the council was on a “long drawn-out journey” to develop the Market Hall’s offering.

Responding to Councillor Fowke’s criticism, Mr Kerr said: “The development of the Market Hall is a slow burn, we’ve got new traders coming in. We have a long, drawn-out journey to get the best offer for the market in the city and the people coming into it.

“Part of that process is to put good things on and for people to learn there’s good things coming and coming back more regularly. 

“I think the programme for 2026 is really positive. I know we’ve had to overcome building challenges and all sorts of different things in the process so far but we are only six months or just over into the building opening.

“It is a work in progress and we are continually pushing it to be the biggest success it can be.”

On the Market Hall’s new traders, Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield said: “I’d encourage everyone to have a chat with our traders and get to know them – they’ll feel like friends in no time.

“We have a growing and vibrant community at Derby Market Hall, making it a real destination for everyone.”