Following a stunning transformation as part of the £35.1m refurbishment of Derby Market Hall, Osnabrück Square officially reopened to the public on Wednesday 20 August.

The occasion was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony which was attended by the Leader of Derby City Council, Cllr Nadine Peatfield, the Mayor of Derby, Cllr Ajit Atwal, Oberbürgermeisterin Katharina Pötter and a delegation from Osnabrück in Germany, which Derby has been twinned with for 49 years. 

Named after the German twin city, the reopening of Osnabrück Square marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of Derby Market Hall and its surrounding areas. The Square has been completely transformed, showcasing an accessible, modern, and flexible space in the heart of the city. 

The transformed Square is a vital connecting space within the city centre, connecting the Grade II listed Victorian Market Hall to Exchange Street, Albion Street, St Peter’s Quarter and the Derbion Shopping centre, increasing footfall for local businesses. 

It is now a flexible green space for events and entertainment with outdoor café seating and artistic installations. Visitors can explore a tranquil, visually appealing space outside the Market Hall, featuring new raised planting beds, trees, and shrubs, along with accessible benches. The area was carefully designed to enhance the local climate and offer a serene experience. 

Accessibility has also been central to the transformation of Osnabrück Square. Free-standing benches and re-aligned pedestrian crossings will ensure that everyone can enjoy the space. The level surface and wide, open pathways make it easy for all visitors to move through the Square freely when visiting the space and the Market Hall. 

Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: 

The reopening of Osnabrück Square marks a significant step in the transformation of Derby Market Hall, and I was thrilled to officially open the revitalised space alongside the Mayor of Derby and a delegation from our twin city, Osnabrück.

Osnabrück Square is so much more than an outdoor area – it’s a carefully curated public space designed for visitors to gather, listen to entertainment, visit pop-ups and to enjoy a vibrant green space in the heart of the city. Alongside the transformation of the Market Hall, Osnabrück Square is a fantastic addition that will bring more people into the city from across the region.

Mark Jones, Operations Director of Construction East at Wates, said: 

Our work on Derby Market Hall has revitalised a key city landmark, now complemented by the transformation of Osnabrück Square. This project showcases our building expertise and the care invested by our teams. By reimagining the Square, we’ve delivered a modern, accessible space that improves connectivity through the centre and offers a calming, communal environment where people can relax, reconnect, and take pride in their surroundings.

The £35.1 million redevelopment of Derby Market Hall, part-funded with £9.3 million from the Government’s Future High Street Fund, is expected to generate £3.64 million for the local economy every year.

Derby Market Hall and Osnabrück Square will play a vital role in Derby’s ongoing regeneration efforts, strengthening the city’s position as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.