Since opening its doors on 24th July, more than 6,000 people have already enjoyed the vibrant al fresco dining experience, created to help boost footfall and help hospitality businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Building on its initial success, work is now underway to broaden its offer as the city heads into the autumn months and the festive season. The area will be transformed into a hub for outdoor entertainment and themed markets, which may include live music, a beer festival, and a selection of markets. All events will be held in a covid-safe environment in line with the most up to date government guidelines.
The Derby Market Place outdoor dining initiative, set in in the heart of the city was the brainchild of the Derby Economic Recovery Task Force, made up of representatives from both public and private sectors formed to lead and drive forward Derby’s economic recovery from the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
Councillor Robin Wood, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said:
The launch of outdoor dining at Derby Market Place has been a great success, and my thanks go to everyone who worked so hard and so quickly to get it all off the ground. Not only has it boosted local businesses, it has encouraged people to return to the city centre in a way which makes them feel safe and brought some much-needed vibrancy to the area. We plan to build on this success by expanding what’s on offer in this space, and I will be excited to see what happens there during the Autumn and Winter.
Dave Gray, Director of Plant Café based on Sadler Gate said:
The Derby Market Place has definitely boosted business for us here at PLANT. Whilst anything on our menu can be taken away, the Market Place has highlighted that to a new audience, and we’ve had plenty of new customers from it. On our side, we’re impressed by the speed in which it was set up, and the way in which social distancing procedures are laid out over there.