Nigel Slater

Derby City Council forecasts that its £35m renovated Market Hall will lose £338,000 in 2026-27, citing trader income below budget and vacancies caused by business turnover. Opposition councillors questioned the hall’s ability to attract traders and visitors, called for greater transparency and raised doubts about the rent model. Council leaders said the figures were only an early first-quarter assessment and highlighted planned events, trader recruitment and an internal commercial review intended to improve performance.

Plans for more than 2,100 homes south of Mickleover are open for public consultation, with proposals including a neighbourhood centre, primary school and park. Parker Strategic Land intends to submit outline plans featuring a new Main Street road to ease traffic, though Conservative councillors cite concerns over infrastructure guarantees and strain on local roads. The project lies within South Derbyshire despite being promoted as helping Derby meet housing needs, and the potential cancellation of a major A38 upgrade adds to local apprehension.