Derby Market Hall Monday closure questioned

Derby's Market Hall. Image by LDRS

Derby shoppers have called for changes at the Market Hall after it emerged the city centre venue was running at a forecast loss of £338,000.

The historic building reopened last year after a £35m restoration project – but a review into its operation is ongoing following public criticism.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service spoke to shoppers about the Market Hall on Monday, August 10th – but some were seen turning away after noticing the entrance doors were shut.

That is because the Market Hall has been closed on Mondays since the end of September, last year.

The changes meant the Market Hall is now open 64 hours each week, down from 67.

The opening hours remained the same, except it is now also open longer (from 10am until 6pm) on Sundays.

Financial papers published by the council say the forecast loss is due to “a shortfall of trader income”.

However, the Labour-led council played it down, stating the figure “does not represent the full-year position for the Market Hall”.

Shoppers spoke of their delight at having the Market Hall finally open again after a long refurbishment – but several said changes were needed to make it better, claiming it was “quiet”.

Daniel, born in Boston in the United States, said he had been to the Market Hall several times when visiting the city.

He said: “There’s not much going on in there. It’s quiet. When I go into a lot of the shops seem to be shut, which is similar to the streets here.”

When told there were calls for it to be a traditional market, Daniel replied: “Oh, wouldn’t that be nice. If that could work it would be great.”

Fellow visitor Margaret said: “Why is it closed on Mondays? I like it, it’s very good for youngsters. I go and get my meat there often, and I think it’s great.

“But I do think life has changed since it last opened, and it needs to be something different. Look at how the old market [the Eagle Market] did at Derbion. It’s no longer there.”

Wendy Sloan, from Horsley Woodhouse, said she loved the Market Hall and has been shopping there for decades.

“I think it’s better than what it used to be,” she said.

“I go and get my meat from there – I think it’s delicious. I love it [Market Hall], I think it stands out.”

Wendy’s daughter Diane added: “It’s nice in there and the vegetables are reasonably priced. But I don’t think it’s how it used to be – it used to be packed and had more stalls.”

But Mick, who was eating lunch on the new benches outside the Market Hall, was not impressed.

The 81-year-old from Derby said: “All that money spent on it and there’s nothing there.

“It used to be such a thriving and busy place. A few months back I went in I saw a boxing ring there, I thought ‘what’s going on’.

“Look, there are people near the door, and it’s closed”.

According to its website, the Market’s Hall opening hours are Tuesday/Wednesday 8am to 3pm, Thursday/Friday/Saturday 8am to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm.

A Derby City Council spokesperson said: “Our traders are small, independent operations, so opening seven days a week wasn’t feasible for some of them.

“Closing on Mondays gives our traders a well- deserved break and time to manage their businesses behind the scenes, ensuring they can deliver a high-quality experience for customers.

“We encourage everyone to support our brilliant local traders during the Market Hall’s core opening hours, Tuesday to Sunday, and keep an eye out for exciting upcoming events.”