Derby Market Hall has welcomed the public back through its doors following an extensive restoration.
The Grade II listed Victorian market hall was officially opened on Saturday 24 May by Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, and the new Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ajit Atwal, nearly 159 years after its original opening.
The revitalised market hall features a modern street food dining area, bars, traditional and contemporary retail units, and creative spaces for artisan makers.
Councillor Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Strategy and Policy said:
I’m absolutely thrilled to finally welcome the public back to Derby Market Hall. Its transformation has been a multi-million-pound effort not only to protect and preserve the Grade II listed fabric of the Market Hall, but to reimagine it – to make it once again the beating heart of our city centre.
“It now showcases the very best of Derby, Derbyshire and our wider region and will be a space not just for shopping, but also for culture and community, and it's wonderful to see it buzzing with people.
The unique sound of Deep Down Brass kicked off the festivities, with live music on the Market Hall stage and walkabout acts providing entertainment all day and into the evening, while free workshops and family activities were also happening all day.
Opening day was the start of a week-long celebration packed with free music, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities at the Market Hall.
After months of preparation, it was time for the Market Hall’s carefully selected traders Opens in new tabto welcome their first customers. Shoppers can enjoy a traditional butcher and fishmonger, plus a bakery and locally-sourced produce.
Anthony Andrews, from family-run Anthony Andrews Butchers, said:
I’m really excited to be able to show off local produce from Derbyshire in a historic building. I’m also very honoured to be here and to be serving the people of Derby.
Beyond the fresh produce, shoppers can explore a diverse selection of clothing, pet supplies and gifts, plus services including bike repairs. Adding to the buzz, a rotating line-up of pop-up traders offers an exciting variety of goods, from handcrafted jewellery and unique giftware to delicious edible treats.
Dan Bacon and Steph Biggs from sportswear store Layer, said:
We’re really thrilled to bring our vibrant collection of sportswear to the Derby Market Hall and we’re hoping to be a part of growing the running community in Derby.
The cosmopolitan food court offers tastes from around the world, as well as British classics like gourmet Scotch eggs and pies. Those with a sweet tooth will also find pancakes, crumble, cakes and gelato. Details of all the traders and servicesOpens in new tab are available on the Derby Market Hall website.
Shoppers inside the newly re-opened Market Hall
Pasan Nissanka, from Sri-Lankan street food vendor Colombo Street said:
What began seven years ago in a small gazebo has grown into a street food journey that’s taken us across the UK – from festivals and sporting events to buzzing food markets – through our beloved food funky food trucks. Colombo Street is beyond excited to return to our roots in the all-new Derby Market Hall, right in the heart of the city.
Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the Market Hall’s transformation began back in 2018. Design consultancy Hemingway Design and heritage restoration experts Wates Construction brought the Market Hall into the future, while honouring its history.
David Wingfield, Managing Director for Construction East at Wates Group, said:
Restoring Derby Market Hall has been a privilege for all of us at Wates. It represents a true team effort, as we’ve worked closely with Derby City Council and our fantastic delivery partners to bring new life to this much-loved heritage building while preserving its historic character.
The Market Hall is more than just a building — it’s a central part of the city’s identity and a place for the community to come together. Through a shared commitment to social value and sustainable regeneration, we’ve helped create a space that celebrates Derby’s past and supports its future. We hope the public will enjoy it for generations to come.
More information about traders and events is available on the Derby Market Hall website.Opens in new tab You can also follow Derby Market Hall on FacebookOpens in new tab and Instagram. Opens in new tab
Derby Market Hall is open 8am – 3pm from Monday to Wednesday; 8am – 10pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am until 3pm on Sunday.