Work has begun on building the vibrant 330-person capacity ‘meeting and eating’ space that will open to the public on Saturday.

The venue will open its doors at 11.00am on Saturday 25th July, and visitors will be able to enjoy food from a number of local eateries, including: The Kitchen, Wonky Table, Book Café, Tap, Greyhound, Seven, Exeter Arms, Lorente, and the Coffee House at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Visitors who have pre-booked a table can either purchase food from their choice of outlets beforehand and bring it with them, or order online from the venue, and have it delivered directly to their table.

Opening hours will be from 11.00am until 2.00pm Sunday through to Wednesday, and from 11.00am until 2.00pm, and 6.00pm until 9.00pm Thursday to Saturday.

The online booking system will go live at 9.00am on Thursday 23rd July, and people will then be able to book one of the indoor chalets or outdoor tables for up to six people by visiting derbymarketplace.co.uk.

Reservations can also be made in person through the Service Information Centre at Riverside Chambers or by calling 01332 255800.  Deaf people can text 07812 301 233, or use a sign video service online at derby.gov.uk/signing-service/  The ticket kiosk in the Market Place will be open for bookings from Friday.

Accessible tables and chalets are also available, but will not be on general sale, to ensure they can be made available to people who need them.  These can be pre-booked over the phone and in person to ensure requests can be accommodated.

Councillor Robin Wood Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said:

We are very excited to see our vision for the Market Place take shape, and are really looking forward to welcoming visitors to the al fresco venue from Saturday.  This is a great place to socialise safely, enjoy fantastic food,  support our local bars, cafes and restaurants, and help to bring Derby back better after Covid-19. The concept is one that absolutely has the potential to expand and develop, helping to put Derby firmly back on the map, and be a first choice destination, so I want to encourage as many people as possible to book a table and enjoy what this vibrant new venue has to offer.

More information will be made available on the website derbymarketplace.co.uk from Thursday, and on our social media channels.