Derby City Council is expected to make a further financial commitment to the transformation of Derby’s historic market hall.

Work is already underway on the 19th century building to turn it into an attractive, flexible retail and leisure destination fit for the 2020s and beyond.

The transformed market will include traditional and themed markets, events, one off or pop up uses and small performances with a greater emphasis on food & drink. It is believed that the revamped market will attract a greater range and number of businesses and visitors.

Councillor Mick Barker, Cabinet Member for Governance and Licensing, said:

Derby Market Hall is a beautiful building, designed by world famous Victorian engineers. We are now building on that heritage to create a fantastic retail and leisure destination in the heart of our City.

Markets have been at the centre of communities and local economies for centuries. This investment will make our Market a more inclusive, accessible and flexible space that can contribute to Derby’s prosperity for decades to come.

The transformed Market Hall will become a vibrant destination in the heart of Derby connecting Intu and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell. It will also contribute to the vibrancy of the surrounding area complementing the redevelopment of the Assembly Rooms site, refurbishment of the Guildhall and the construction of the new 3,500 capacity venue at Becketwell.

A vibrant city centre is a key part of the strategy developed to ensure Derby’s economy remains resilient in the face of the COVID-19 health emergency. A task force, made up of representatives from both public and private sectors, is driving activity to maintain business and investor confidence, diversify the local economy and decarbonise the city.

If approved by Cabinet next week the Council will make an additional contribution towards ensuring the transformation of the Market Hall. This funding will go towards the overall delivery of the project which has faced some higher than expected costs. The Council has also bid to the government’s Future High Streets Fund for a significant contribution to the delivery of the project.

Full project management, design and construction responsibilities have now been taken on by Wates.