Derby Market Hall
About Derby Market Hall
Derby Market Hall has now reopened to the public, following a £35.1 million restoration.
The renovation of the Grade II-listed venue was a significant construction effort to restore the historic fabric of the building and ensure it remains at the heart of our city for generations to come. The work was completed in two phases by contractors Wates Group, firstly on the roof and exterior of the building, followed by reconstruction of the interior of the Market Hall. The building’s external restoration included rebuilding the roof and external glazing as well as repairing all of the external masonry. Internally, non-period features were removed, and the feature staircase was reinstated along with reconstruction of all trader units, new plumbing, drainage, lighting and electrical systems.
Derby Market Hall officially opened on Saturday 24 May, drawing in over 34,500 visitors in its first three days.
Visitors can now step into our lovingly restored Victorian market hall, complete with its magnificent roof and lively atmosphere. Inside, you'll find a fantastic mix of traders, including permanent and pop-up market stalls, a range of cafes, bars and eateries, and an on-site distillery (opening summer 2025).
Regular events and activities bring a buzz to the Market Hall throughout the week with live music, family-friendly activities, walkabout performances and more. See what events are coming up on the Derby Market Hall website.
The Market Hall is now a catalyst for a more vibrant Derby, supporting local traders, attracting footfall, and creating a space the community can be proud of.
History
Derby Market Hall's foundation stone was laid in February 1864, and the market was officially opened to the public in 1866 by the Mayor of Derby, Thomas Roe Esq.
The Grade II-listed building cost £29,000 to build and was a project of Melbourne engineer Rowland Mason Ordish, who is noted for the design of many iconic London landmarks. Ordish’s work includes the Albert Bridge, the dome at the Royal Albert Hall, and, together with William Barlow, his detailed work on the single spanned roof of St Pancras station, which has a comparable splendour to the roof of Derby Market Hall.
The Market Hall underwent a multi-million pound transformation in 1989, and during this time construction workers discovered unique traces of Derby’s past, including a well measuring six feet wide and thirty feet deep. Experts believe the well could have served buildings which stood on the site prior to 1864.
Tunnels running between the Lock-Up Yard and the Guildhall were also discovered and were probably used to move prisoners between the two sites.
The Market Hall was reopened by HRH Princess Margaret Countess of Snowden on 27 November 1989 following the last restoration project.