Partnership and ‘can-do’ attitude behind Market Place awards success

The private/public sector team behind the Derby Market Place venue have been reflecting on winning a top regional award for collaboration.

Last week, the venue, which features the Derby Loves You performance space, secured the Excellence in Collaboration title at the Derbyshire Business Awards, which were organised by East Midlands Chamber.

The Market Place concept came about as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Derby City Council wanted to create a Covid-safe place for visitors to eat and drink.

It teamed up with theme park attraction designer Katapult to create the Derby Market Place Alfresco Dining Experience, a vibrant outdoor space in the heart of the city centre.

The partners in the collaboration were originally introduced by Marketing Derby, with an initial meeting brokered by Phi Advisory.

Today, as well as being a place to eat and drink, the venue now hosts performances in a large marquee.

Reflecting on the success of the Derby Market Place at the awards, which took place at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Councillor Ross McCristal, the city council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture, tourism and wellbeing, said: “This award sums up perfectly what Derby Market Place is about – working in partnership to bring vibrancy back to the city centre, giving our hospitality and cultural industries a much-needed boost, and giving people the confidence to come back.

“It is exactly this can-do attitude that has set the scene for our bid to become UK City of Culture 2025.

“What is great about Derby Market Place is its flexibility as a space throughout the year.

“So we’re looking forward to seeing it transformed into a Festive Market, and host family Christmas shows in the indoor Derby Loves You venue.”

Dawn Foote, chief executive of Katapult, said: “It was great to be able to bring some of the project team together to attend the awards night to recognise the hard work and achievements during an extraordinary year.

“All of the team at Katapult are delighted that ‘Derby Market Place’ won the Excellence in Collaboration award – it goes to show what can be achieved when the public sector and private sector truly collaborate.

“The award goes to all involved who pulled together in a super speedy time to make it happen, supporting the hospitality and cultural sector when they needed it most. #TEAMDERBY.”