Spotlight on future of Gigg Lane and Bury Market

A consortium hoping to take over Bury FC has asked the council to buy the club’s Gigg Lane ground, while the town’s market could be set for an overhaul with the construction of a “flexi-hall” under discussion.

Bury FC faces liquidation after going into administration and being expelled from the Football League last year, but the consortium, made up of eight local businessmen, is in talks to take control of the club from current owner Steve Dale.

If the council agrees to acquire Gigg Lane, the new owners would pay a monthly rent to the council, allowing Bury FC to play its games at the 135-year-old stadium. 

The council has also been asked to endorse research carried out by a task force, made up of four councillors, and Leeds University into the future of Bury market. 

The research recommends the council should use £50,000 of the £100,000 from the Bury Masterplan capital budget to fund design and feasibility work for the regeneration of the wider markets area. 

The studies also suggest the construction of a multi-purpose flexi-hall to address the lack of large event space in Bury. 

As well as providing space for market traders, the hall could be used for council and independently-run events such as food festivals and live music performances and would feature a stage as well as doubling up as an entrance to the market. 

The study also proposes the remodelling of the market offices and the retail parade and improving wireless connectivity in the area.

Both proposals are being discussed at Bury Council’s cabinet meeting which is due to take place this week.