Bacup pushes on with £8.3m market redevelopment
Rossendale Council has unveiled fresh designs for the project, which is aimed at reversing declining footfall in the town centre.
The concept design for the £8.3m redevelopment of Bacup Market and Union Street has been signed off by the council ahead of a period of public consultation.
The next steps will be the submission of a planning application and the appointment of an operator. All being well, the council hopes to be on site early next year.
Plans for the market – to be called Temple Court – include the construction of a two-storey market hall offering local produce, crafts, and food and drink on the ground floor.
A cycle hub and makers’ spaces will be located on the upper floor of the scheme, which is one of Rossendale’s Levelling Up Fund projects.
The vision was drawn up by Market Curators, and developed and finalised by Frank Whittle Partnership.
The scheme intends to offer a broader provision of food and drink options and seating within a food hall to encourage visitors to spend more time in the area both during the day and early evening, according to the council.
“The rejuvenation of the market area presents another opportunity to improve Bacup town centre and will address challenges faced by lots of markets around the country,” said Rossendale Council leader Cllr Alyson Barnes.
“In recent years we have seen declining footfall and trader numbers. We believe this investment will foster community development and address market traders’ economic difficulties.”
She added: “The current market is an important asset to the town centre but at present it struggles to extend its appeal beyond a small, loyal customer base. Temple Court will appeal to a much wider area with its food and drink offer and the cycle hub.
“The concept designs will allow us to approach dynamic and experienced organisations to play a pivotal role in establishing the new market. We look forward to engaging with potential partners in the coming months.”
The market hall will be built on the site of the former Barclays Bank, which backs onto the open market in the heart of the town centre and is expected to be completed by spring 2026.
As part of the redevelopment, Union Street, which runs adjacent to the market, will be made one way, and footpaths widened to give priority to pedestrians over vehicles and provide an opportunity for businesses to spill onto the pavements.
As a Bacup resident this scheme is (contrary it seems to the opinion of most residents!) desperately needed.
It will revitalise the town centre providing a refreshed mix of food and beverage and traditional market offerings.
Good luck to the council and the design team as they undertake the public consultation. As you may have guessed, I approve!
By AT
Fantastic looking scheme and much needed for the area.
By Anonymous