New-look Derby Market Hall gets ready for business

A search has been launched for creatives, makers and traders to occupy Derby’s new-look Market Hall as it moves closer to completion.

Derby City Council is inviting businesses to register their interest in operating from the refurbished building, which aims to showcase the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment when it reopens in spring 2025.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, the city council’s cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both established and up and coming businesses to be part of a modern central hub while benefiting from Derby’s rich history and heritage.

“We aren’t just looking for traditional market traders. When it reopens, the Market Hall will offer permanent and pop-up trading opportunities for a variety of businesses – makers, traders, start-ups, creatives, and more.”

Wayne Hemingway, partner at design consultancy Hemingway Design, which has been brought in to help realise the ambition for the Market Hall, said: “This is an opportunity for forward-thinking independent start-ups and existing businesses to be part of a project and creative community that will operate out of this magnificently restored, historic Derby building and play a role in re-energising this part of Derby’s city centre.”

The transformed Market Hall, which is undergoing a £35 million revamp, aims to offer a curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce.

It will have ‘make and trade’ stalls, creative space, cosmopolitan food court and bars, a co-working space and events and pop-up activities.

And according to Wayne, the aim is to make the Market Hall accessible and flexible for all.

He said: “The aim for the incoming Derby Market Hall business community is to be a low-risk venture, with affordable and flexible rates and a range of mentoring and support to help businesses grow and develop.”

Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peters Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, it is hoped the revamped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre economy.

Councillor Peatfield said: “A vibrant city centre is a key part of a council strategy to drive confidence and investment in the city.

“The ambition is for Derby to become a place where more people actively enjoy a wider cultural choice, and we know that’s what people want from their city centre.”

The extensive structural restoration of the Market Hall’s cast iron, copper and glass roof was completed in August last year.

The second phase of the transformation, now underway, focuses on refurbishing the interior and developing the public space outside at Osnabruck Square.

The work includes re-instating the original two entrances and installing a grand central staircase.

A new frontage will incorporate full-length windows overlooking Osnabruck Square to open up the area inside and outside the building.

Councillor Peatfield said: “The Market Hall is one of our most historic and prominent buildings.

“Our vision is to deliver a place where people want to visit and spend time, rather than pass through.

“We want Derby to be ‘the place to be’ destination, attracting visitors from nearby towns and cities.”

Anyone interested in being part of the new Derby Market Hall can register their interest at http://www.derbymarkethall.co.uk .