Restoration of Derby’s historic Market Hall roof is close to completion with the second and final finial being lifted into place.
The Market Hall has been undergoing a transformation beginning with the restoration of its cast iron, copper and glass roof. Completion of the roof leads the way for the internal transformation to begin, as repairs continue to the Victorian brick and stone exterior.
Cllr Mick Barker, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council, said:
Completing the restoration of this historic Market Hall roof paves the way for the rest of the Market Hall’s transformation. Soon we can move onto the internal renovation and give Derby a fantastic market which is full of life.
Derby Market Hall will become a vibrant retail and leisure destination at the heart of city. The scheme will link various parts of the city centre together increasing the diversity of the city centre economy.
The transformation will also play a key role in creating a thriving cultural heart in the Market Place and surrounding area as part of plans to encourage economic recovery and investor confidence in the city centre.
When it reopens the transformed Market Hall will offer traditional and themed markets, events, one off or pop up uses and events, with a greater emphasis on food and drink. It will also contain a Make and Trade area where crafters and makers can create and sell their work. A traditional market offer will be complimented by a new food court and flexible events space adding to Derby’s day and night time economy.
Plans to remodel the Market Place and surrounding area as the cultural heart of the city centre is part of the wider vision for a vibrant city centre, which is key to ensuring Derby’s economy remains resilient following COVID 19. A task force, made up of representatives from both public and private sectors, is driving activity to maintain business and investor confidence, and recently a £1.75 million initiative was launched by Derby City Council to encourage more businesses to locate in the heart of Derby.
The restored Market Hall roof before the finial is lifted into place.
The finial is lowered into place on the Market Hall roof (Picture by Wates).