‘Milestone’ for Bacup Market and town centre as landmark canopy and events space is backed

Plans to develop Bacup Market have been approved by Rossendale Council, including a landmark wooden canopy and amphitheatre events space.

Councillors say the plan’s approval marks a ‘significant milestone’ in the town centre’s regeneration. The aim is to attract more visitors to Bacup and encourage people to stay longer in the town centre, day and night.

The current market site is on a triangle-shaped plot  behind taller buildings, with narrow access and a low visual profile. But the planned new timber canopy will provide shelter for market traders and visitors, and its height and appearance will attract people too, the council says.

Below will be new seating and a public amphitheatre space to create a ‘distinctive focal point’, And the movement of people throughout the wider town centre will be improved, with some of old market units being demolished to create more space and better acess from the surrounding streets and lanes.

Rossendale Council is behind the plan, working with CODA architects. Coun Nick Harris, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are delighted that the plans have been approved for the redevelopment of Bacup Market. This project represents a major investment in the future of Bacup, supporting our local traders while creating a welcoming, vibrant space for residents and visitors. It is a key step forward in delivering our priorities and strengthening our town centres.”

The aim is to support market traders and surrounding businesses , attract visitors and create a more flexible space for community use through the year. A number of existing market stalls, particularly those near St James Street, will be upgraded to improving the market’s areas layout and the practical use of the market space.

In addition, Rossendale Council said the scheme will transform the former Barclays Bank site, with new landscaping to open-up views into the market area and create stepped, amphitheatre-style seating. This will create space for events, gatherings and everyday use, encouraging greater activity.

Rossendale Council said it is working with specialist design and construction teams, and key stakeholders, to ensure the ‘successful transformation’ of the market area. Further updates on the next stages of work will be shared as the project progresses, it added.

Elsewhere in Rossendale, Rawtenstall Market Hall is having a major £4m revamp. Traders there have been temporarily moved to Rawtenstall’s new Town Square or bus station units. The old market building will get a new food hall and roof, ventilation and electrical upgrades. Outdoor areas will be revamped too. Levelling-Up money from the previous government is central to this.

Haslingden market place has had £500,000 of improvements. And a council master-plan for Waterfoot could improve its historic Trickett’s Arcade, a landmark and listed building with interior space, shop units and a glass-and-iron canopy.