Connect Derby Takes Over Management of Derby Market Hall

DERBY, U.K. - Dec. 10, 2020 - PRLog -- Connect Derby, the city's primary managed workspace provider, has taken on temporary management of Derby's Market Hall – during an unprecedented time for the historic building.

Connect Derby specialises in managing multi tenanted buildings where tenants operate and deliver commercial services. It's been appointed by Derby City Council to assist Market Hall traders during a period of disruption, which has included the Covid-19 pandemic and the wider transformation project that is underway.

Since its reopening in July, Market Hall traders have been supported with their daily operations by Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, and her management team.

As part of their new management role, Connect Derby have been responsible for reviewing existing risk assessments to create a COVID-safe environment.

Connect Derby have also offered business support meetings, with free 30-minute sessions to answer queries and provide support with grants and resources available from Government in response to the financial and economic challenges the pandemic has brought.

Derby's Grade II Listed Victorian Market Hall is currently undergoing a multimillion-pound regeneration programme, which will see the building transformed into a retail and leisure destination.

Work is already underway, which will include traditional and themed markets, events, and small performances with an emphasis on food and drink to attract a wider range of businesses and visitors.

The Market Hall's transformation project will require traders to decant early next year so essential works can take place and the process is being co-ordinated by Ann Bhatti and her team.

A variety of different options are being considered for the decant and workshop sessions are currently being staged.

Commenting on taking over the management of the Market Hall, Ann Bhatti, said:

"We've really hit the ground running since taking on temporary management of the Market Hall and are helping and guiding traders through their next steps and their daily operations during what is a period of disruption for them.

"As a managed workspace provider, we understand the importance of clear communication with tenants, which is why we're consulting with traders on the decant process to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible.

"The Market Hall is a unique building with a diverse range of traders, and we look forward to working with these businesses in the coming year."

Councillor Mick Barker, Cabinet Member for Governance and Licensing, added:

"As a Councillor with 'markets' in my heart I am pleased that Connect Derby has been able to bring its expertise to support traders and customers in a difficult year.  This grand building deserves our commitment and care.

"Having faced Covid restrictions and the continued restoration of the building, we're all 'singing from the same hymn sheet' and I look forward to Derby Market Hall becoming the prime asset of Derby."