Rawtenstall and Bacup’s markets - latest on exciting plans

Rawtenstall and Bacup’s markets will see new cafe and restaurant spaces, night-time leisure and visitor attractions, and indoor and outdoor enhancements.

Rossendale Council had updates on some of the big schemes this summer. Next steps come this autumn and then early 2024. Here are the key details and timings, as the big schemes develop.

At Bacup Market and around Union Street, two modern landmark buildings are wanted with flexible outdoor pop-up space and landscaped areas. Rossendale Council said the aim is to provide spaces which change from the day to evening, which are family-friendly and attract local people and the valley’s ‘growing professional population’.

A new, flexible indoor market hall area will provide eco-friendly facilities and design, more modern stalls, a zoned food area, storage for market traders, new toilets, new seating and a dining area. Extended opening hours are wanted.

Also planned is a Bacup cycling hub with a café, bike hire, training and shops. Tiered landscape seating will help to ease a steep approach and there will be better links for people to move around,

Bacup’s Union Street will be made one-way, with wider pavements for better accessibility and a street cafe scene.

Regarding Bacup dates, a planning application was approved by Rossendale councillors this summer to demolish the old Barclays Bank building. Demolition is due this September.

Design ideas and public consultation has also been under way this summer and into September.  Talks will also be held with Lancashire County Council on some aspects of the plans this autumn.

In January and February 2024, the next phased of architecture design work is to be agreed and a planning application submitted to Rossendale Council. Then the search will start for the main building contractor.

Rossendale Council hopes to have final architecture work done in May and a contractor awarded by July. If all goes well, demolition of old market stalls will start in July, The date for the new buildings to be handed over is February 2026.

RAWTENSTALL MARKET AND TOWN CENTRE

Rawtenstall’s existing market hall is to be revamped for the future, Rossendale Council says.

Rawtenstall Market Hall view. Daylight scene. Image from Rossendale Council report on Levelling-Up bid August 2022.

Plans  include remodelling the inside and outside,  relocating food cabins, having covered events with canopies, A new seating area, ‘pop-up’ space for temporary activities and new pedestrian access.

Public consultation has been held this summer and into September. Similar to Bacup, the next phase of design work and a planning application are set for early 2024.

Rossendale Council hopes to appoint a main building contractor by July 2024 and have all architecture design stages completed,  If all goes well, the revamped Rawtenstall market will be completed by February 2026.

Other activity in Rawtenstall  includes improving the walking route between the market and railway station on Bury Road, which is part of the East Lancashire Railway with heritage train links to Bury, Ramsbottom and Heywood.

In recent years, Rossendale Council has had ambitions to run light modern commuter trains on the line too, but the idea has caused some debate.

Also planned for Rawtenstall are changes to the ‘gyratory’ road system, working with the county council. Main work for that is planned to start in Easter 2024 and be done by February 2026. Authorities say work will be done to keep traffic disruption down.

Part of Rossendale’s funding will be used for The Bridge skills and employment centre in Rawtenstall.

Rawtenstall Market Hall view. Image from Rossendale Council report on Levelling-Up bid August 2022.

The Levelling-Up Fund is a key government policy to promote economic growth and tackle regional  inequalities. Local councils have to submit applications to the government and compete for funding.

Haslingden is not included in this scheme because it is based on Westminster parliamentary boundaries and includes the local MP. However, Haslingden is the focus of other regeneration projects linked to National Lottery and borough council funds.