We were appointed by Derby City Council to refurbish and transform Derby’s Grade II Listed Victorian Market Hall into a contemporary, vibrant retail and leisure destination. The scheme forms a key part of the council’s wider city centre regeneration vision and since completion it has re‑established the hall as a major destination, welcoming over 34,500 visitors in its first three days of opening.
The project was delivered in two phases to ensure the hall could remain operational throughout the work, providing maximum flexibility for traders and visitors. Not a single day of trading was lost during the programme.
The first phase involved erecting a complex internal and external protection scaffold that allowed the market to continue trading during surveys and repair activities. This structure enabled extensive restoration of the glazed roof, including replacement of the copper roof cladding and stone and brick repairs.
Due to the live environment, traditional chemical cleaning methods were unsuitable. Instead, a specialist water free poultice system was used to gently clean stone and brick surfaces without risk to traders or the building’s historic fabric.
Working above a live market environment required exceptional health, safety and logistical planning. The scaffold design incorporated a full crash deck and a temporary weatherproof enclosure to protect traders and maintain a controlled environment for the roofing works. Installation took place exclusively at night over a 14-week period.
The scale of the temporary works included:
The second phase focused on transforming the interior into a modern, flexible retail and leisure space. Existing stalls were removed to create an open-plan environment that now accommodates a contemporary street food dining area, new bar and retail units.
Entrances were also upgraded, and improvements were made to the adjacent Osnabruck Square to enhance the area and improve the flow of footfall in and around the hall.
The completed facility supports Derby’s ambition to strengthen its cultural offer and stimulate economic activity in the city centre.
Every intervention was carefully managed in consultation with Derby City Council’s Conservation and English Heritage Officer due to the building’s Listed status. Key heritage works included:
Specialist subcontractors were engaged to ensure authenticity. Local steel fabricator FE Worthington manufactured new roof finials to match the originals, with Frank Worthington personally coming out of retirement to complete the work.
Reclaimed bricks were salvaged, sorted and matched for reuse, while concrete, metal, timber and steel were fully recycled to reduce environmental impact.
Social value was central to the project. The Considerate Constructors Scheme commended the team and the project received both gold and silver awards in recognition of outstanding project delivery, community engagement and site management.
Key achievements included:
Cllr. Mick Barker
Cabinet Member for Governance and Deputy Leader of Derby City Council
David Wingfield
Managing Director for Construction East
