Traders left in limbo due to market hall delays

Five months after the much-anticipated reopening of Glossop Market Hall, a key part of the redevelopment remains closed – sparking frustration among traders, residents and local councillors.  

The historic hall officially reopened in November 2025 following an extensive and costly refurbishment aimed at transforming the venue into a modern hub for commerce and community. The project promised upgraded facilities, flexible event space and a revitalised environment to attract both shoppers and visitors, while preserving the building’s heritage.  

However, despite the fanfare surrounding the reopening, the top mezzanine floor has yet to open its doors due to not meeting health and safety requirements. 

Traders who had planned to move into the space say they have been left in limbo, waiting nearly six months to begin trading. Concerns have also been raised over the lack of clear communication from High Peak Borough Council about the reasons for the delay.  

Local councillor Adie Hopkinson, who has previously voiced several concerns about the project’s cost and timescale, said the situation raises serious questions about how the redevelopment has been managed.  

He revealed that HPBC have known since November 2024 that roof smoke vents were required to bring the mezzanine in line with fire safety regulations - an issue he believes should have been identified much earlier in the process.  

“This isn’t a minor snag - it’s a fundamental oversight” he said. “If these vents are essential for safety, the question is why this wasn’t picked up at the design stage. Traders have signed up in good faith and are now facing months of uncertainty through no fault of their own.”  

Because the Market Hall is a listed building, installing the vents will require Listed Building Consent, adding further delays before the space can open.  

Councillor Hopkinson suggested the council should consider seeking compensation from those responsible for the original plans, in order to reimburse disappointed traders and the huge extra cost to HPBC. 

“Livelihoods are at stake here” he said. “The council needs to get a grip of this and, if necessary, pursue those responsible for the design to ensure traders aren’t left out of pocket. The management of this project poses so many questions.”  

Several affected businesses have already approached him directly for support, highlighting the growing concern among those who had hoped to be operating from the mezzanine by now.  

One trader who wishes to remain anonymous told the Chronicle, “I am severely disappointed with the lack of communication from the council regarding the opening of the mezzanine. Not being able to open my shop has impacted my local small business significantly, and it continues to do so. I have invested a lot of time and money into a shop that cannot open. I really hope we can get an opening date soon, I don't want to have to give up on my dream!” 

The Chronicle asked High Peak Borough Council for their response. Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said:  

“In February 2026, the Council, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, and the Derbyshire Building Control Partnership agreed that four roof vents will be installed as a further ventilation measure in the Market Hall, supporting any future use of the space by the operator.  

“Therefore, this solution has only recently been agreed and designs are being completed so that an application for Listed Building Consent can be submitted as soon as possible. We’re as eager to open up the mezzanine as everyone else and we’re working as quickly as the process allows to secure the necessary consents. We’ll keep people updated.”  

Despite those assurances, questions remain over why the issue only emerged after the building had already reopened - and how long traders and the public will have to wait before the Market Hall is fully operational.  

The Chronicle approached the market operators, The Hospitality Collective, for a comment but they did not provide a response. 

For now, what was meant to symbolise a new chapter for one of Glossop’s most iconic landmarks remains, in part, unfinished.