Redeveloped Derby Market Hall built with accessibility and inclusion as key priority

Artists impression of Derby Market Hall south elevation and Osnabruck Square.

When the newly redeveloped Derby Market Hall opens in the spring, it will be one of the most accessible and inclusive public buildings in Derby and the wider region.

Through thoughtful design with access and inclusion as a key priority, the £31.5m transformation of the historic building, part funded with £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF), will ensure that the Market Hall and its surrounding areas, including Osnabruck Square, are easily accessible and inclusive to all visitors who can navigate the space with ease. 

The redevelopment includes a new lift to provide seamless access between the ground and first floors.  The flooring has also been levelled to facilitate step free access, removing any barriers, and creating an inclusive public space. 

A key addition to the Market Hall’s new facilities is the installation of a changing places toilet, which is the fifth in Derby’s city centre. These larger than standard toilets are equipped with extra features such as hoist, changing bed, shower and height adjustable wash basin. 

With accessibility and inclusion at the core of the Market Hall’s restructure, the Market Hall’s colours remain the same but have now been muted to support visually impaired visitors. Additionally, the lighting has been designed at the correct lumens to improve visibility. Fixtures, fittings and furniture have also been specifically coloured contrasted to enhance accessibility. 

Beyond the Market Hall, Osnabruck Square has been transformed with accessibility and inclusion in mind. Featuring new inclusive benches with arm rests to assist with getting on and off, the outside space will also be accessible. A modern linear drainage system has also been installed to remove surface water, ensuring a smooth experience for disabled people.

Additionally, Osnabruck Square will also feature three designated blue badge parking spaces, making it easier for blue badge holders to access the Market Hall and surrounding areas.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the Council, and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy said:

Accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of our work in the city centre and beyond. I am so proud that accessibility features have been key priorities in the redevelopment of the Market Hall from the beginning through to construction. 

Derby is an inclusive city for all, and the new features available at the Market Hall sets a new benchmark for regeneration and development projects both in Derby and the wider region. We hope that this space will be welcoming for everyone, and I am looking forward to welcoming visitors to the inclusive and accessible Market Hall when it opens in Spring 2025.

The Market Hall redevelopment is a £31.5m project part funded with £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF). It is in the second phase of the transformation, focusing on refurbishing the interior and developing the public space outside at Osnabruck Square. 

Located at the heart of the City Centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the new Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the City Centre and will generate £3.64m for the local economy every year.