Work starts on extensive roof repairs to iconic market hall

More than 140 years of built heritage is being preserved as work starts on re-roofing a Victorian market hall.

The building in Burton upon Trent dates back to 1883 and is a treasured part of the town’s living history. The Grade II listed building requires essential renovation works to the roof to ensure it remains wind and water tight. Using skilled heritage roofing techniques, the repairs will include replacement glazing, the maintenance of original slates with replacement of damaged slates and new roof valleys, which will also include repairs to damaged masonry and stonework

Structural engineering and culture and heritage specialist Pick Everard said the project will ensure the building remains available for community and business use well into the future.

Rikesh Parmar, Associate for Building Surveying at Pick Everard, said: “Burton Market Hall is symbolic of the town’s identity and plays an important role in bringing together visitors and residents, shoppers and traders.

“Over the years, the roof has had isolated repairs carried out, but a recent survey undertaken by Pick Everard of the building for East Staffordshire Borough Council revealed that a full re-roof was required. This will not only help keep the building warm and dry, but it will preserve the longevity of the market hall and protect its original character and heritage.”

Local roofing expert JAL Roofing has been appointed by the council to carry out the works which started this month, with Pick Everard acting as the lead design consultant to oversee and Contract Administrate the project.

The market hall was added to the National Heritage List by Historic England in 2022 due to its architectural interest. It features stone carvings and relief work above the entrance, an ornate ventilation tower and original features in the shopping area.

The hall was extended in 1925 and last underwent extensive refurbishment in 2014. The partially glazed roof structure is supported by cast iron columns. All repairs feature like-for-like replacements in line with Historic England guidance.

Rikesh said: “The height of the roof was a key consideration in the planning of the works, due to its location being in the centre of the Market town along with the challenge of repairing the roof in a strategic manner to minimise disruption and damage to the internals during the Autum and Winter months, which was a specific period for undertaking the works governed by the ecologist.

“Burton Market Hall is an iconic part of the town’s skyline and the scale and quality of the building reflects its prosperity in the late 19th Century. With the roofing works due to be completed in early 2026, we hope Burton Market Hall remains an economic driver for the town.”

John Lees, Managing Director of JAL roofing, said: “We are really looking forward to working with Pick Everard and East Staffordshire Borough Council to bring this historic building back to its former glory for the local community and businesses.”

East Staffordshire Borough Council hopes to host a series of events at Burton Market Hall following the works.

Cllr Paul Walker, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Cultural Development, said: “Burton Market Hall is a cherished part of our town’s heritage and these roof works are an important step in ensuring the building remains fit for purpose and continues to serve our community well into the future. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this temporary closure and look forward to welcoming visitors back once the improvements are complete.”