Plans for the second phase of the transformation of Derby’s historic Market Hall will take a step forward next week.
Derby City Council’s cabinet is being asked to approve further investment to complement the £9.43 million from the Government’s Future High Street Fund which has already been secured.
A report outlining the second phase of the regeneration programme for the Grade II listed building is due to come before the cabinet at its meeting next week.
Work is already underway on the Victorian building to turn it into an attractive retail and leisure destination fit for the future. The planned restoration of the Market Hall’s cast iron, copper and glass roof is on time and on budget, with the second and final finial having been lifted into place at the beginning of February.
Repairs to exterior stone and brickwork will complete the first phase of the renovation, which is due to be completed by the summer, paving the way for the second phase which will focus on refurbishing the interior and developing the public space outside at Osnabruck Square.
The vision is to create a building that celebrates its heritage and market tradition, while offering attractive and flexible spaces which can be adapted to meet modern needs and consumer demand.
When it reopens, the Market Hall will include both traditional and themed markets, events, one off or pop up uses, make and trade spaces and small performances with a greater emphasis on food and drink to attract a wide range of businesses and visitors.
Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, it will also play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre economy.
Cllr Mick Barker, Cabinet Member for Governance and Deputy Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Derby Market Hall is the grand old lady of the city centre and one of our most historic and prominent buildings.
“By making this investment in it, we are also investing in the future of our city centre as our economy recovers after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Market Hall connects key areas of our city centre, and its transformation will help to draw people back into the heart of our city and offer something for everyone.”
A vibrant city centre is a key part of the strategy developed to ensure Derby’s economy remains resilient after the pandemic. 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.
