Market going from strength to strength as innovative partnership hailed a success

An exciting and innovative partnership is transforming Rawtenstall Market.

Rossendale Council joined forced with a local social enterprise The Clog Market – to revamp the historic market and make it a destination place to shop and socialise in the area.

The Council entered a year-long pilot partnership with Jane Boys, the owner of the Clog Market, to modernise and revamp the market, which is open on Thursdays and Sundays.

 

Rossendale Council continue to own the market business and the market site but the day to day running has been taken on by Clog Market management.

And so far, it has been a massive success.

Jane stepped in at the end of May this year and has already completed a number of visual improvements to the market.

These have included:

• Plants and flowers are now outside and the area is looking more welcoming, traditional but brighter
• exterior and interior alterations to improve the use of the space and make it more inclusive and accessible
• The outside marketplace cabins have been repainted
• An events space has been created
• Improved the market hall stall appearances, new signage, creating new space to trade from, created tables and seating from old empty stalls

There is a firm focus on making the market environmentally friendly.

Jane said:

“All supplies are recycled or re-used goods, making the market sustainable and more eco-friendly, and there is also a water station for re-filling bottles, aiming to help people reduce their plastic use by re-using bottles.”

The market is also more family friendly.

“We welcome mothers feeding their babies however they want at the market but if they choose a little privacy there is now a baby room for feeding and nappy changing,” Jane said.

This room also includes a larger changing mat for older children with additional needs.”

New events and activities have been put on including an artisan market every 3rd Saturday of the month, cake decorating classes, pottery painting and Friday night socials outside (weather dependent of course)

The new partnership has achieved a lot including:

• Increased the numbers of traders
• Improved social media communications and invested in a new website
• Increased visitors and trade boosted.

Rossendale Council Leader Councillor Alyson Barnes said:

“It is fantastic to see what is happening at the market, there is a change every time you come in and it is looking amazing. I am really happy to be working in partnership with Jane Boys to make a difference here. The Council was looking for someone with a great vision and Jane ticks all the boxes.

“There was always potential here, it was just a case of getting someone to realise that vision, and we are really seeing a difference now with the changes that Jane has started to make.

“We needed a solution similar to the one at the Whitaker Museum, which has been completely transformed. Jane and her team look like they are unleashing all its potential.

“Rawtenstall in on the up. As people can see, with a bit of imagination, vision and partnership working, town centres can buck the trend and be reinvigorated.

“In the next 12 months this is set to be a great market and I think it will be the place to be.”

Jane added:

“I wanted to see the market reach its full potential. There is a lot of public support for Rawtenstall Market and it is a fantastic venue. We have started with a few cosmetic upgrades, it looks lighter and brighter already.

“There is an abundance of positivity and support for us in the town but we want everyone to come and take a look for themselves.

“New traders to Rawtenstall already love the changed atmosphere and appearance of the market, they appreciate the change of management and the new ways of working I have implemented. We want it to become a vibrant marketplace where people shop, meet up with family and friends, socialise and enjoy themselves.

“The market has been at the Newchurch Road site for over 100 years. Why would you not wish for it to continue there, revitalised? We want to revive it and make it a destination again. It is a special place with social history and the keeper of many personal stories, therefore, it is a heritage building to the community. We want to keep it that way.”

Check out the market’s new website and also follow them on social media.