New time capsule buried at Derby Market Hall

A new time capsule has been sealed within the walls of Derby Market Hall, containing a snapshot of life in Derby in 2024 for future generations to uncover.

Derby City Council, along with construction partner Wates, recently joined together for a special invent to inter the capsule, which sits alongside two others, dating from 1864 and 1938, that were uncovered during the £35 million refurbishment of the historic venue.

All key partners involved in the project have provided items to go inside the capsule. For example, architects Lathams has provided architectural drawings.

Other items include a 3D printed submarine from Rolls-Royce, the latest Marketing Derby Food and Drink guide and a model of a Toyota Corolla, the car built by Toyota Manufacturing UK at Burnaston.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, who wrote a letter to go inside the capsule, said: “This is an exciting moment in the Market Hall project as we seal a snapshot of 21st Century life for generations to come.

“I’m overwhelmed by the response to this project. We have so many businesses and groups represented in this capsule, giving future generations a real insight into what life was like here in Derby in 2024.”

The £35 million transformation of the historic Market Hall – which is partly funded with £9.43 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund – is well underway, providing a new hub for creatives, makers and traders, building on the city’s heritage of innovation and industry.

During the revamp, Wates came across the two historic time capsules, which later went on display at the Local Studies Library.

While there, they captured the imagination of visitors who provided their own suggestions of items to include in the latest capsule, which has been fashioned from a length of pipe provided by Cadent Gas.

As well as giving a snapshot of Derby’s industries, the capsule includes a selection of photos showcasing the city’s diverse communities and vibrant events, including 2024’s Derby Pride, the 2023 Lantern Parade and Caribbean Carnival.

Nadine said: “It’s a strange concept, not knowing when these items will be uncovered. I hope that whenever this capsule is opened, people will get a sense of what life was like in Derby in 2024 and see it as a vibrant, diverse and thriving city.

“All that is for the future, but for now we’ll continue to press on with the refurbishment and I look forward to seeing the Market Hall open again in 2025.”

Tim Wates, chairman of Wates, who also contributed a letter for the capsule, said: “It was an honour to include a piece of Wates in the time capsule.

“Wates is proud to have managed the regeneration of this Grade II Listed Victorian Market Hall, originally designed by Derbyshire engineer Rowland Mason Ordish, into a vibrant cultural and retail destination.

“Guided by our commitment to reimagining spaces where people can thrive, we’ve focused on preserving heritage while enhancing accessibility, safety, and wellbeing.

“We’ve worked diligently to create a space that supports diverse uses, with the goal of revitalising the city’s day and night-time economies.

“Time will tell if the capsule is recovered, but it is a legacy we are proud to be involved in.”