All systems go for £8.3m Bacup Market

Rossendale councillors have voted to grant permission to the Levelling Up Fund project, which will see a 6,500 sq ft canopy introduced, stalls refurbished, and a 1,600 sq ft café added to the Temple Court outdoor marketplace.

As part of the proposals drawn up for the council by CODA, there would be amphitheatre-style seating brought into the outdoor area, making it a prime space for hosting events and pop-up markets.

Crucially, the new café building would also provide public toilets, allowing for those enjoying the market to extend their visits. There would also be solar panels on its roof.

The approved plans focus on the former Barclays Bank site off Market Street. Existing market stalls on the western side of the site will be demolished as part of the plans. Two blocks on the eastern side of the site, with a total of 12 stalls between them, will be modernised.

Funds for the project come from Rossendale Council’s successful £17.9m Levelling Up Fund bid, with £8.3m allocated for Bacup.

Rossendale’s lead member for economic development Cllr Nick Harris welcomed the council’s decision.

“This project is a major investment in Bacup’s future, supporting our local traders while creating a welcoming and vibrant space for residents and visitors,” he said.

“It is a key step forward in delivering our Valley Plan priorities and strengthening our town centres.”

MAKE NW is the project manager for the scheme. Reflecting on the vote this week, MAKE director Patrick Hickey said: “Securing planning approval is a significant milestone for Bacup Market and a key step in delivering a more vibrant, flexible space for traders and the wider community.

“We’re proud to be supporting Rossendale Council in bringing forward a scheme that will strengthen the town centre and create new opportunities for local businesses.”

This was the second iteration of the council’s vision for Bacup Market, with initial proposals designed by Market Curators and Frank Whittle Partnership approved in 2024. These had called for a two-storey market hall to be built.

These proposals were abandoned last year, however, in a bid to lower the cost of the project and to increase the public realm.

Roman Summer is the planner for the current project, with Donald Insall leading on heritage, Bowland on ecology, Brooks on bats, DICE on transport, and Kennedy Redford on drainage. The project team also includes SI Sealey, Anderton Gables, Robert ASpray Digital, and Geocon.

To review the plans, search 2025/0438 on Rossendale Council’s planning portal.