In the market for a city centre renaissance

In the latest edition of Marketing Derby’s Innovate Magazine, we check on the progress of the multi-million-pound transformation of Derby’s historic Market Hall.

The Grade II-listed landmark is currently undergoing a £35 million revamp, which will not only safeguard the future of the building, but also repurpose it as a key leisure destination.

Derby City Council has brought in Hemingway Design to provide creative direction.

The firm has delivered successful high-profile regeneration projects across the UK.

Jack Hemingway, partner at Hemingway Design, told Innovate that the team was relishing adding the Market Hall to its portfolio.

He said: “It’s an amazing structure and it’s great to work on bringing new life to buildings like this.

“But what is more meaningful to us, and why we love these kinds of projects, is that it’s an opportunity to kick-start a renaissance of a city centre which currently lacks vibrancy.”

Hemingway Design is advising on the experience, visual identity and brand for the new-look Market Hall, which is due to open in spring next year as a seven-day-a-week attraction, showcasing the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment.

For Hemingway Design co-founder Wayne Hemingway, the project is an opportunity to work in a city he has known for some time.

Wayne, who helped launch successful fashion house Red or Dead, told Innovate: “I think most people know that it is punching below its weight.

“It’s a well-positioned city, handsome in many respects, but it is kind of a poor relation to some of the other cities that are within reach of it.

“Then there is this amazing building, right at its heart, that has been languishing for some time, but which has the potential to be a major part of a renaissance of the city centre.”

Writing in Innovate, Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of the city council, said: “The transformation of Derby Market Hall is a key project within Derby’s City Centre Ambition.

“We are now just a little over a year away from this iconic 19th Century building re-opening its doors as an attractive, flexible retail and leisure destination fit for the 2020s and beyond.”

Deputy leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield, whose cabinet responsibilities cover the city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, added: “We all know this has been a long time coming, but to now be able to see the finishing line is so exciting – and pivotal – for the city centre.

“This building is going to encapsulate the Derby spirit and I can’t wait see people’s reaction to it when they get to walk through its doors.”

To read the feature in full visit https://heyzine.com/flip-book/fbdb70bd48.html#page/12 .