Haslingden Market regeneration a step closer as plans go in

Rossendale Council is planning to undertake work to revitalise Haslingden Market following the council’s success in securing UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

Developers Wilson Mason have been appointed by Rossendale Council to carry out the work which proposes to demolish the existing green metal stalls and canopy, remove the fabric awnings and replace them with steel fixed canopies.

It would also replace gates and railings to the northern and southern sides of the site and construct a new steel structure to provide sheltered seating.

The proposals were welcomed by councillors at a meeting last month and following this plans have now gone in.

A design and access statement submitted by Wilson Mason said: “The existing market provides an external shopping experience for customers.

"The market has 12 permanent stalls housed in masonry structures with metal shutters and traditional fabric awnings.

"There is currently provision for 20 table top stalls located under a fixed shelter.

“The regeneration of the market within Haslingden creates a valuable opportunity to grow the local economy and to provide affordable premises for new business.

“Supporting new businesses in this way is a positive bottom up approach to regeneration. As businesses grow they may move on to occupy larger premises within the community.

“Whilst there is not a one size fits all approach to regeneration, the success of many markets has focused around the provision of food. Rawtenstall market is a good example of this locally.

"There is a wide variety of good quality food and beverage offerings at the market which is very popular in the evenings and at weekends.

“For this approach to be successful at Haslingden market, seating and shelter are needed to encourage people to occupy the space.”

An artists impression of how the market could look (Image: Rossendale Council)

As part of the plans, both entrances to the market are to be improved with the low arches replaced with steel structures which match the detail and proportion of the new steel shelter.

The existing metal roller shutters are to be serviced and decorated with new suited locks provided.

The design statement went on: “During the brief development it was identified that the existing awnings are known to break relatively frequently, particularly if left out in the wind.

“One of the key areas of focus for the project has been to provide robust and, where possible, maintenance free facilities.

"The proposal is therefore to remove the existing awning and to provide a fixed canopy to each trader stall which provides rain cover to customers.

“The existing toilet provision, whilst in need of attention, is of good proportion. It is proposed to retain the existing layout, refurbishing the existing facilities.

“The sanitary fittings are to be replaced and new decoration provided throughout. The toilets are current accessed via the market and Blackburn Road.

“The proposal is to close off the entrance from Blackburn Road so that the toilets are only open during market trading hours.

"The opening hours of the market are to be significantly extended with both day time and evening trading hours.”

Trader facilities are also to be improved as part of the project with an additional prep kitchen to be provided. All rooms within the trader area are to be refurbished with new basic kitchen facilities, floor finishes and decoration.

The lighting within the market is to be significantly improved with the Victorian style lamps serviced and decorated. Existing external lighting mounted to the trader stalls is to be replaced with contemporary energy efficient fittings, and new festoon lighting is to be provided throughout.

Two tuk tuk style food vans have been budgeted for within the project which will provide additional flexible trading space, and new paving will also be created to improve accessibility and inclusivity to the market.

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans can do so via the council’s website.