Traders excited ahead of city market reopening

Traders who have signed up for units at Derby's transformed Market Hall say it heralds a new era for the city centre.

The market closed for a £35.1m refurbishment in 2021 and is set to reopen on 24 May.

The city council says the venue will be a flexible space that incorporates a modern street food dining area and bars, traditional and contemporary retail units, and creative spaces for artisan makers and traders.

Many of those who have signed up have never traded in markets before and say the reopening presents a unique opportunity.

Steph Biggs and Dan Bacon currently have one of the shortest commutes in the country. Their clothing business, Layer, operates from a modern shed at the bottom of their garden in Long Eaton, Derbyshire.

But the couple, who currently sell their range at running events and shows, are now taking the plunge and have signed up for a unit at the Market Hall.

"It feels like there might be more of a boutique-style feel about it and I hope that comes across," said mum-of-one Steph.

"I hope we're going to stand out and I think we're going to make a good impression on everyone who comes through those doors and into the Market Hall".

Her partner is equally optimistic, telling the BBC: "I feel really excited, actually. I feel it's the next step for us.

"It's been two years of growth and learning and I think we get to put all of that together when we go into the Market Hall".

It has been a mixed picture for the UK's markets in recent years.

Down the A52 in Nottingham the city council announced it was closing the Victoria Centre market after years of falling sales.

Yet other towns such as Stockport in Greater Manchester have seen a boost after work to refurbish markets.

Nico Sgro is another of those opening a business in the Market Hall.

The design engineer, who is originally from Bergamo in Italy, has been making gelato - Italian ice cream - as a hobby and will now offer a choice of 12 flavours from his unit, including pistachio and salted caramel.

"I had thought about opening a shop but the opportunity at the market came along at just the right time," he said.

"I feel really excited about the opening but also a real sense of responsibility as I'll be taking on staff."

George's Cheeky Pancakes is another business which is taking on its first retail outlet.

George Tsagurnis, from Ilkeston, set up his business during the Covid pandemic and has been selling poffertjes (Dutch-style pancakes) and Stroop waffles at festivals and shows.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to really grow our business and take it to the next step," he said.

"I've been inside the Market Hall and I was in awe of the place.

"It's a beautiful glass-ceiling Victorian building and we can't wait to get going."

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