Colne Market Hall has officially opened to the public, marking the completion of a £3.5 million regeneration project in the heart of the town centre.
The ribbon was cut by Christiana Buchanan, Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, before the doors opened to the first visitors, with a steady flow of people arriving throughout the morning.
The redevelopment has created around 100 jobs and brings a new mix of independent food and drink operators to the town, including Panko & Sushi, Agora, Boroughs, Jacks, Naanwich and Three Peaks Brewery.
Developed by Market Quarter Group in partnership with Pendle Borough Council, the scheme forms part of wider plans to drive footfall and support long-term growth in Colne town centre.
To mark the opening, a free programme of events is now underway across the Bank Holiday weekend, including live music, performances, art and family activities running through to Monday.
Ged Lynch, Head of Food and Beverage at Market Quarter Group, said, “It’s great to see it open this morning and to have people coming through the doors straight away. There’s been a really good feel around the place already, which is exactly what we were hoping for.
“This has been a big investment and a lot of work behind the scenes to get it to this point, so to see it up and running properly is a big moment.
“The aim has always been to create something that works for the town - somewhere people can come throughout the day, support independent businesses and spend time. We’ve got a strong mix of operators in here and a full weekend of activity, so it’s a really good starting point.
“Now it’s about building on that and making sure it becomes a place people keep coming back to.”
Colne Market Hall is now open to the public.
Council scraps padel plans for Towneley Park
Council says action to be taken on aggressive Blackpool beggars
East Lancs man sentenced after driving more than 150mph on M65
First Pride in Place funding approved as Burnley’s £20m regeneration plan moves into delivery
Accrington man jailed for six years for rape
Burnley Council faces £1.7m budget shortfall
Man sentenced for drug offences after being caught with cocaine in Nelson
Free bulky waste collection becomes ‘victim of its own success’
