The first phase of Derby Market Hall’s regeneration, which included use of a scaffolding structure weighing almost 900 tonnes for restoration of the roof, is complete
The Derby Market Hall regeneration project has completed its first phase of construction, Wates Construction has announced.
When complete, the Grade II listed Victorian market hall, which has been trading since 1866, will be transformed into a contemporary cultural and retail destination.
Wates Construction has been leading a project team of local architects and engineers on the project, comprising Latham Architects, Rogers Leask, and Clancy Consultants.
The roof restoration was part of renewing the historical building to modern standards
The work completed includes masonry repairs to the building envelope, internal cleaning of the roof structure, and lead paint removal before the challenging and extensive heritage glazed roof replacement works.
This included increasing ridge height to accommodate natural ventilation for the building, copper roof replacement, gutter and rainwater works, access equipment, localised electric works, lightening protection, and decoration.
John Carlin, regional director at Wates Construction, said: “Before this work on the roof was carried out, the Market Hall often had to close to customers for safety reasons if there was possibility of strong winds, snow, or heavy rain in case the glass windows came out of their frames.
“Along with the extensive restoration of the roof structure, all of these windows have now been replaced, meaning that closing the market and disrupting trade just for weather will no longer be necessary.”
He continued: “Making sure that trading could continue while initial surveys and work on the roof took place was particularly important. To do this, we installed a scaffolding structure to give access to the roof without disrupting ground level activity.
It was an impressive feat of engineering all by itself, which would have spanned more than 62 miles if placed end-to-end and weighed almost 900 tonnes, but it really was the key to making sure trade could continue despite our ongoing work, supporting the city’s traders post-pandemic.”
Throughout the process, the project team supported traders and the council project team to a high level, offering tours and site visits, as well as engaging with local sixth-form college students and a range of industry professionals to involve the local community in the project.
The next phase of the regeneration will focus on internal and external configuration
Raised concrete floor plinths that currently house individual market stalls will be removed to create a more open and accessible space, with the ground level intended to provide space for up to 32 market stalls, which will be portable for flexibility.
Meanwhile, the interior balcony area will provide an opportunity to accommodate a small business incubator, and to provide space for special themed markets, such as antiques or crafts.
The entrances to the Market Hall are also set to be improved in the upcoming phase of work, allowing market activity to flow into the surrounding streets.
The Market Hall is located within Derby’s City Centre Conservation Area, which also contains Derby Cathedral, the Silk Mill, and the Guildhall Theatre, and was originally designed by Rowland Mason Ordish.
When completed, it will complement the emerging Cultural Hub, which aims to re-energise the day and night-time economies and drive stronger footfall in the Market Place and wider city centre.
Wates Construction was appointed via SCAPE’s Major Works framework. The second phase of development is set to commence on site in Q4 2022, with an aim to complete in 2024.
