Opening date announced for refurbished Derby Market Hall

Derby City Council has announced a date for the reopening of the historic Derby Market Hall following its £35.1 million refurbishment.

The building will open again to the public on Saturday 24 May – almost 159 years to the day since its original grand opening.

Visitors will see at first hand the results of a careful, multi-million-pound restoration, aimed at preserving the rich heritage of the Grade II-listed building while also introducing modern enhancements.

The transformed Market Hall promises to offer the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment and a variety of new features and experiences for visitors.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of the city council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “I’m thrilled to announce that the historic Derby Market Hall will be reopening its doors on Saturday 24 May 2025.

“The building is a treasure for Derby and its reopening has been highly anticipated by many. This is a historic moment for everyone in the city to be celebrated by all.

“Derby Market Hall will be a flagship, vibrant destination that will attract visitors from across the region and beyond. I am truly excited for the opening event, and I know that visitors will enjoy everything that the revitalised Market Hall has to offer.”

Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peters Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall is set to play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64 million for the local economy every year.

It will feature a carefully curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce.

There will also be make and trade stalls and creative spaces, a cosmopolitan food court and bars, along with events and pop-up activity.

Among those already confirmed to be taking space at the Market Hall is Derby City Lab, which is relocating from the Derbion shopping centre.

The £35.1m transformation of the building, partly funded with £9.43 million from the Governments Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) began with the Market Hall’s most iconic feature: the striking cast iron, copper, and glass roof.

Designed by Melbourne engineer Rowland Mason Ordish, whose later work included the roof of London’s St Pancras railway station, this distinctive element needed significant repair.

Previously, the Market Hall often had to close to customers if there was a chance of strong winds, snow, or heavy rain in case the glass windows came out of their frames.

These windows have now been replaced, and the extensive structural restoration of the roof was finished in August 2022.

The revitalised Market Hall has also been redesigned with accessibility and inclusion at its heart, making it an accessible building for all visitors.

Plans are now underway for an official event to mark the reopening of the building.