Work to create new food market to begin this summer

The market will feature 10 permanent food and drink units and pop-up slots

A new outdoor food market in Derby is set to open next year, with the developer saying work will be ready to start this summer.

Steve Wardle, from Burton Abbey Developments, says he aims to open The Yard next summer on an area of disused land off St Peter's Churchyard.

Derby City Council's planning committee had voted against an officer recommendation to approve the plans, which had previously been refused on two occasions on heritage grounds.

However, the most recently amended plans were deemed acceptable by the committee, due to the public benefits outweighing the conservation harm of partially demolishing an old wall to create an entrance area.

'Helping Derby grow'

The market will feature 10 permanent food and drink units and pop-up slots for busy periods, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

There will also be space for live music performances and seating areas.

Mr Wardle said: “We are ready to start work on site this summer, with completion expected next summer to tie in with the other exciting projects opening in Derby (in) 2025 such as the Becketwell Performance Venue, the new Market Hall, 8,000 new residential units, and much more.”

Mr Wardle said he hoped the market would play a key role in supporting small businesses and “helping Derby grow”.

He added: “It really is great to be in this position to help create a new thriving and buzzing area in Derby.

"It is expected that St Peter's Churchyard will become a busy thoroughfare between the bus/train station, and eastern gateway towards the Becketwell Arena."

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