Two landmark Derby City Council regeneration projects have been highlighted for their outstanding contribution to the city’s centre at the 2026 Derby Civic Society ‘A Brighter City of Derby’ (ABCD) Awards.
The multi-million-pound restoration of Derby Market Hall secured a Full Award in the Conservation category. The judges praised the project for striking an “exemplary balance between historical authenticity and contemporary design clarity,” noting that the work preserves the building’s iconic cast iron, copper and glass barrel-vaulted roof.
The citation said: “Derby Market Hall, meticulously restored and reimagined through a £35.1 million refurbishment, is a landmark example of sensitive architectural renewal that celebrates heritage while boldly embracing the needs of today’s vibrant urban community.”
The £35.1m transformation, supported by £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, saw an expert team led by Wates Group, alongside Lathams, Rogers Leask, and Clancy Consultants, undertake a careful restoration of the Grade II-listed structure. Working with Hemingway Design, the space was reimagined as a space for shopping, dining and events, with accessibility and inclusion at the heart of the new layout.
(L-R) Sam Dennis, the Council's Strategic Director of Place, Market Hall manager Hana York and operations manager Phil Carson accept the award from the Mayor of Derby
Meanwhile, Vaillant Live, the state-of-the-art 3,500 capacity entertainment and conferencing venue, was also highly commended in the New Build category for being a “bold, flexible and highly functional entertainment and events venue that redefines the cultural heart of the city.” The venue that opened last year was delivered by developer St James Securities and construction firm Bowmer + Kirkland, is owned by Derby City Council and operated by Legends Global.
The award citation described the building as a “defining example of how visionary design can shape the future of urban life,” highlighting its role in bolstering the city’s cultural and economic vitality.
The ABCD Awards celebrate excellence in architecture, conservation, and the improvement of public spaces across Derby. These latest accolades underscore the Council’s commitment to preserving Derby’s rich heritage of innovation while building a modern, inclusive future for all residents and visitors.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:
The restoration of the Market Hall has been a huge undertaking, and this award for conservation reflects the hard work put in by our teams and partners to protect such an iconic Grade II-listed building.
At the same time, the recognition for Vaillant Live shows how we are successfully adding modern, high-quality architecture to our streets. These projects are key to our ongoing efforts to regenerate the city centre and create vibrant spaces that we can all be proud of.