THE opening of Blackburn’s new market has been delayed by almost three months.

The £8million development in the ground floor of the Mall shopping centre extension will now be officially unveiled on May 28.

It was due to open on March 5 but it has been delayed after Allgroup, a sub-contractor in charge of electrics work, went into administration.

Council bosses said they would try and support traders left in the Penny Street market, which had been gearing up for closure, with further rent reductions in the interim.

But Market traders federation boss Chris Appleby said: “There are desperate concerns from traders. This is another blow to us.

“We need the public to rally round and continue to support us because we are not closed for business.”

Andrew Hartley, who is moving his card shop, the Octagon, to the new site, said: “We are 12 weeks behind now, which is a real blow.

“It is good to get a concrete date but we all just want to be in there and getting on with it.”

Existing market traders have been told that they can continue trading in their current premises until the new market opens.

Coun Dave Harling said: “It was important that traders knew the opening date as soon as possible so that they can start to plan their move into the new modern market hall.

“It also gives them more time to ensure their new stalls are ready for the opening in May.

"We are trying to support the traders as best we can through the next few months with further rent reductions.

“We are moving with the times and firmly believe that the new market will be a real asset to the town.

"In the meantime, the current market is still open for business and I would urge people to support traders during this period of change.”

On Friday the Lancashire Telegraph was given a first look inside the facility as the new units begin to take shape.

There will be 61 food stalls, 50 non-food stalls, nine café/catering stalls and six mini shops.

The council said two thirds of the pitches had already been allocated, both to existing and new traders.

An official opening of the new market will be held on Saturday, May 28, but traders will be able to start trading from the previous Wednesday if they wish.

Click on the link below for our gallery of photos inside the new market.