Burton Market Hall Set for Comeback with Food, Music and Fresh New Look

Burton’s beloved Market Hall is preparing to reopen its doors later this month following a major £1.49 million roof restoration - with even bigger plans now revealed for its future transformation.

 

East Staffordshire Borough Council has confirmed that the historic hall will reopen on Thursday, 28 May, following the completion of a roof replacement project that has seen the Victorian building carefully restored for the future.

 

The major works included a full replacement of the slate roof, alongside smart new glazing to brighten up the hall while keeping the character of the Grade II listed building firmly intact. Local firm JAL Roofing carried out the work, giving one of Burton’s best-known landmarks a rather impressive new hat.

 

But while the shiny new roof is certainly worth celebrating, the really exciting part is what comes next.

 

The council has now unveiled ambitious plans to transform the Market Hall into a lively new destination for food, drink, shopping and entertainment - creating what could become the beating heart of Burton town centre once again.

 

The vision includes a brand-new food hall featuring six street food kitchens, flexible seating areas and a central bar pouring local ales and craft beers. In short: the sort of place where “just popping in for a quick bite” somehow turns into three hours and chips from two different vendors.

 

There are also plans for a dedicated live music venue and bar in the former fish market building, building on the success of Sonic Boom Festival and Burton’s growing reputation for live events. The venue would host touring acts, local musicians and community performances - giving Burton’s music scene a permanent home right in the town centre.

 

Outside, the area in front of the Market Hall is set for a complete makeover, with paved seating areas, landscaping, canopies and planting designed to create a continental-style café atmosphere. Think less “dash through town in the rain” and more “coffee in the sunshine pretending you’re on holiday”.

 

The traditional market itself is also set for a revival, with fresh local produce, artisan traders, specialist pop-up markets and community events all planned as part of the regeneration. The aim is to create a showcase for Burton’s makers, bakers, growers, brewers and creatives - while encouraging more independent businesses into the town centre.

 

Councillor Paul Walker, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Cultural Development, described the completed roof works as “an important catalyst” for the wider redevelopment plans, adding that the transformation will create “a modern, vibrant space right in the heart of the town centre”.

 

The Market Hall will initially reopen on an interim basis from Thursday to Saturday each week ahead of the larger regeneration works, which are expected to begin in 2027.

 

Taken together with the wider investment happening across Burton town centre and riverside, the plans signal a big shift in how the town’s historic spaces are being reimagined - blending Burton’s heritage with a fresh new energy for the future.

 

And after spending nearly £1.5 million on the roof, at the very least shoppers can now browse without worrying about the British weather joining them indoors.

 

Here's the council's video about the roof refurb and future plans...