Construction firm Kier has completed building work on a new multi-million pound indoor market hall building that has been designed to enhance Bradford city centre.

The new Darley Street Market building has been officially handed over to Bradford Council after contractor Kier completed the build, allowing next stage of the work to fit-out the building to commence.

Set in a 4000m2 prime city centre location, Darley Street Market will feature three bustling trading floors and a terrace balcony overlooking the 1,000 m2 open air market square that will welcome independent traders as well as creating a cultural space for live music, arts and entertainment.

Below the market square is a large underground area for trader deliveries, additional storage and waste handling and recycling.


The state-of-the-art venue has energy efficiency at its core, with escalators and lifts powered by 190 rooftop solar panels, with air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels heating the water supply.

Toilets are flushed using an automatic rainwater harvesting system providing a consistent supply of water that will also feed the watering system for the outdoor planting areas. This is supported by real-time weather data to ensure optimal storage levels are maintained whilst minimising wastewater discharge. Two flood-prevention holding tanks can also capture up to 9,000 litres of rainwater, which will help to control the flow of water into the main sewer. The market’s ten roof lights and wall mounted grilles provide the interior with natural light and ventilation whilst also regulating internal temperatures and reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling.

Other integrated features include a digital energy management system that will monitor, analyse and control the market’s internal environment, as well as a smart heating system to reduce energy consumption and an extensive network of smart meters to track energy use.

As part of the project, the Kier team has delivered a significant social value programme of activity which has resulted in over £10 million of the project value being procured through local businesses and suppliers.