The council has announced that it is now seeking a new construction partner for the project after failing to agree a price with Wates Construction.
Wates was signed up for the project last year and even held a supply chain open day with the council for local businesses and traders.
A fresh invitation to tender for the scheme has now been issued by the council and the projects is now expected to start in late summer.
Work includes replacing the hall’s roof with a glazed atrium, refurbishing the assembly rooms and creating new entrances.
Council leader John Burrows said: “It’s disappointing that we’ve not been able to accept Wates’ tender, but ultimately we could not reach agreement on price.
“Although a re-tender will mean a six month delay to the project, we believe that by opening the contract up to fresh competition, the council will be able to get the best possible price for the work.”
Andy Hands, business manager for Wates Construction, Midlands, said: “We have worked hard in partnership with the council to try and bring this project in line with the council’s financial planning. However, we were unable to feasibly deliver the project and we mutually agreed that they should go back to the marketplace.”
Councillor Burrows said that the council remained committed to the project, which is being part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Chesterfield Townscape Heritage Initiative. He said: “This is an exciting scheme which will transform the Market Hall and reinforce Chesterfield’s famous markets. We’ve already put a lot of work into the project, including sourcing alternative temporary accommodation for the traders to move into when the construction work begins.
“The delay is frustrating but for now it’s business as usual and the Market Hall will remain open six days a week until further notice.”
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