Work is well underway on an £11.2 million regeneration programme which will transform Derby’s Grade II Listed Victorian Market Hall into a contemporary, vibrant and retail destination by Summer 2023.
A vision has been developed called ‘Everything Derby’, which will see the creation of a fully inclusive venue that people visiting the city will recognise as the very best market in the country.
The Grade II listed building, which has been trading since 1866, will be the subject of a two-stage project to create an attractive, flexible, retail and cultural destination which will complement neighbouring uses and contribute to the revitalisation of the city centre.
Plans have been developed following the results of national surveys which suggest that the future success of the traditional retail market is dependent upon providing users with a more diverse offer by introducing elements of speciality retailing.
Phase one of the project started in March last year with a £6 million roof restoration, which will extend the building’s lifespan and counter structural deterioration and make it safer to be worked on in future. This is planned for completion in Summer 2022. The second phase focuses on an internal and external reconfiguration, which will transform the look and feel of the Market Hall and is planned for completion in Summer 2023.
When completed, the Market Hall will be home to a diverse range of retailers, with an emphasis on food and drink. The ground floor will include a food court and flexible events space. The food court will trade throughout the day and will form part of Derby’s growing night time economy. The remaining ground floor space will be available for traditional and periodic changing market offers of fresh food and dry goods.
There is scope for the current kiosks to be redesigned into flexible units. Toilet facilities are also set to be improved, alongside lift and stair access to ensure inclusive accessibility for everyone.
The interior balcony area will provide an opportunity to accommodate a small business incubator, possibly in the form of a home food preparation area or general retail skills development and support. Occasional themed markets such as, antiques, crafts, fashion or maker/sellers could also be held on the balcony.
The entrances to the Market Hall are also set to be improved, allowing market activity to flow into the surrounding streets and transforming the adjacent Osnabruck Square into an attractive, flexible space.
Commenting on the scheme, Councillor Matthew Holmes, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for planning, environment and regeneration, said:
“This project is a key development in the rejuvenation of Derby city centre, delivering a key component of the City Centre Masterplan. The market will be supported by cultural and commercial events and will also provide a home for other complementary uses including those engaged with the making food and drink for sale.
“The Market Hall will support innovation and training, as well as housing making and selling. New business will reflect the spirit of Derby and capitalise on the cultural opportunities provided by the city. It’s a vision we call ‘Everything Derby’.
“Renovation work is well underway and we’re all very excited to see this landmark, historic building become a key destination for residents, businesses and visitors to the city and provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for customers.
“When completed, the Market Hall will complement the emerging Cultural Hub which is to be anchored by the Assembly Rooms, and which will re-energise the day and night-time economies in the Market Place and the wider city centre.
“The Market Hall is a stunning and regionally unique building; filling it with the activity, diversity and quality it deserves will ensure return visits and a place within Derby’s developing cluster of city centre attractions.”
The project is part of the City Centre Masterplan, which aims to create 4,000 jobs, lever £3.5bn of investment and create 1900 new homes by 2030.
Proposals also seek to revitalise the city centre and re-energise Derby’s day and night time economies in order to attract tourism into the city.
Companies involved in this major project include: Pick Everard, Wates Construction, Lathams, T4 Sustainability and Market Place Europe, part of National Association of British Markets Authorities (NABMA).