Market hall on track for 2025 reopening

Much of the original design of the Victorian roof has been retained

A historic indoor market's renovation is taking shape and is said to be on course to open by spring 2025.

The Grade II-listed Derby Market Hall has been closed for three years while work has taken place.

The final cost is expected to be around £35m and the venue will host a mix of stalls, a food court and a flexible space for entertainment.

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield told the BBC: "It's amazing, I'm excited to see it when it's up and running."

The staircase will be a main feature of the renovated Market Hall

Before the work on the roof was carried out, the market often had to close to customers if there was a chance of strong winds, snow or heavy rain, in case the glass windows came out of their frames.

About 16 miles of scaffolding had to be put in place so the roof could be rebuilt while work carried on below.

These windows have now been replaced, so the market will be able to stay open in all weathers.

Ms Peatfield told the BBC on a recent site visit that workers have peeled back several layers of paint, and matched and mixed a new coat to the original base colour first chosen in the 1860s.

The hall underwent a multi-million pound transformation in 1989 and was reopened at that time by Princess Margaret.

The market hall is expected to be fully operational by spring 2025

The Grade II-listed building cost £29,000 to build and was a project of South Derbyshire engineer Rowland Mason Ordish.

He's noted for the design of many iconic London landmarks, including the Albert Bridge and the dome at the Royal Albert Hall.

Together with civil engineer William Barlow, he worked on the single-spanned roof of St Pancras station in London, which is similar in design to Derby's Market Hall.

The roof of Derby Market Hall is similar to that of St Pancras International station

Once complete, the market hall will be open seven days a week, including in the evenings.

The council leader said they have had "a lot of interest" in people wanting to operate from the newly refurbished venue.

"It's affordable [rent] so your new businesses that are just starting up and they may not be able to afford a premises on the High Street just now - they could start their business here," Councillor Peatfield said.

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