Victorian market hall reopens after roof repairs

A £1.49m roof repair scheme at a Victorian market in Staffordshire has been completed.

The Grade II listed Victorian market hall in Burton-upon-Trent, built in 1883, needed essential repairs to make sure it remained wind and water-tight.

The project included a full replacement of the slate roof and new glazing.

The building was added to the National Heritage List by Historic England in 2022 in recognition of its architectural significance.

Specialist heritage roofing techniques were used for the project - including keeping and reusing original slates where possible.

Damaged ones were replaced, new roof valleys were installed and repairs were carried out on damaged masonry and stonework.

"These works will be an important catalyst in the exciting wider redevelopment of the market hall" a spokesperson for East Staffordshire Borough Council said.

"[They will transform] the venue into a modern, vibrant space right in the heart of the town centre, for both communities and visitors."

The works were completed using like-for-like materials in line with Historic England guidance, according to those behind the scheme.

The market hall features distinctive stone carvings and relief work above the entrance, as well as an ornate ventilation tower and original detailing within the market space, with a partially glazed roof supported by cast iron columns.

The completion of the re-roofing programme marks the first step in the borough council's wider vision for the market hall.

Future plans include the creation of a mixed-use destination featuring retail, food and drink outlets along with flexible workspaces and an events space, the spokesperson said.

The market hall reopened on an interim basis from Thursday, ahead of wider regeneration works planned for 2027.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.