Operations manager Mark Jones, of Wates, is pictured with city council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield holding the time capsule(Image: Derby Telegraph)

Time capsule 'buried' at Derby's Market Hall to mark £35m refurbishment

by · Derbyshire Live

Representatives from key organisations and companies in Derby have taken part in an historic occasion as a 2024 time capsule was created and 'buried' alongside two earlier time capsules at Derby's Market Hall. The Victorian Grade II-listed building is undergoing a £35 million refurbishment programme, which is scheduled to be completed next spring.

After the two earlier time capsules - from 1864 when the foundation stone was originally laid and 938 when extensive renovation took place - were discovered, it was decided that the latest work was also worthy of noting with a third capsule containing representations from everyday Derby life in 2024 as denoted by companies and people playing a prominent part in it.

Derby City Council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield said it was "an exciting moment" in the city and Market Hall's history. She said: "The response to the time capsule project was amazing with the capsule itself being provided by Cadent Gas ,and leading companies contributing items for inclusion."

These included from train maker Alstom, Derby City Council, Derby Telegraph, Derby Theatre, BBC Radio Derby, Rolls Royce, Toyota, University of Derby, Wates, which is carrying out the refurbishment, design company Hemingway and Latham Architects.

These are the contents of the 2024 time capsule(Image: Derby Telegraph)

All key partners involved in the project provided items including letters from Mrs Peatfield and Tim Wates, chairman of Wates. Architects Lathams provided architectural drawings, while Hemingway Design, branding partner for the project, included a copy of the new visual identity document.

There was a 3D-printed submarine from Rolls Royce, the latest food and drinks guide from Marketing Derby, and a model Toyota Corolla. A selection of photos showcase Derby’s diverse communities and vibrant events, including 2024’s Derby Pride, the 2023 Lantern Parade and Caribbean Carnival.

These were the other two time capsules discovered by workers refurbishing the Market Hall(Image: Derby City Council)

There were also three photographs taken by Derby people during a competition earlier this year to find images that best represented the city - from Kayla Hackney, Steve Donaldson and Tracey Stanley.

Kayla, who took an unusual view of Derby Cathedral by shooting the reflection of it in a puddle, said she was pleased to have her image included.

She said: "I shoot all of my photos in a different way, that's my style and I am pleased one of them is going to be in the time capsule."

Kayla Hackney’s photo of Derby Cathedral(Image: Kayla Hackney)

Mrs Peatfield added: "I am proud to think that the Market Hall as a heritage asset has been given a new lease of life. It’s a strange concept, not knowing when these items will be uncovered. I hope that whenever this capsule is opened, people will get a sense of what life was like in Derby in 2024 and see it as a vibrant, diverse and thriving city."

The two previous capsules went on display at the Local Studies Library, where they captured the imagination of visitors who provided their own suggestions of items to include in this latest capsule.

Rather than burying the capsule, they have been sealed within the walls of Derby Market Hall for future generations to discover.