Burton upon Trent’s market hall will reopen later this month after the completion of a £1.49 million roof works programme.
Derby-based JAL Roofing has been working on a full replacement of the building’s Victorian slate roof, and on upgrades such as new glazing, replacing the existing polycarbonate structure as part of East Staffordshire Borough Council‘s capital funding programme.
The market hall will reopen on an interim basis from Thursday, 28 May until planned regeneration works begin in 2027.
Councillor Paul Walker, the council’s cabinet member for tourism and cultural development, said: “I’m delighted to see the roof works completed to the market hall, as part of the council’s commitment to protecting our most treasured assets.
“These works will be an important catalyst in the exciting wider redevelopment of the Market Hall, transforming the venue into a modern, vibrant space right in the heart of the town centre, for both communities and visitors.”
Dominic Edwards, Building Surveyor at Pick Everard, added: “With the re-roofing works now complete, the transformation will make a real difference to the building’s longevity and overall finish, paving the way for planned future development.”
The market hall is set to become a key part of wider town centre regeneration plans, with proposals for it to be transformed into a mixed-use venue combining retail, food and drink, flexible workspace and a programme of events and activity.
The first phase includes the introduction of six street food units, flexible seating areas, a main bar, public realm enhancements to the market hall frontage and a programme of events and activity designed to increase town centre footfall.
This phase represents an investment of £2.689 million, subject to the final approval of a funding application of £2.425 million to the Enterprise Zone Regional Investment Fund.
The council is also developing a separate business case for the redevelopment of the former Customer Service Centre adjoining the market hall.
Plans build on the success of the Sonic Boom Festival and include a 150-capacity live music venue hosting around 180 events per year, including headline touring acts, emerging artists and local performances.
