Published February 25, 2022 at 15:39
Rossendale Borough Council have presented revised proposals for Bacup Market Square to the Bacup 2040 Vision Board.
The new proposed redevelopment of Bacup Market Square includes a new market hall, which will include a permanent food area, as well as spaces for traditional market traders.
There will also be a new temporary market space, which will be used by regular traders as well as for special events. When not in use, the temporary market facilities can be taken down to create an events space in the centre of the town.
Revisions were made to the original proposals based on feedback from the public, with costs estimated at around £6.09m.
The hotel, which was in the original plan, has been removed from the proposals and the height of the indoor market and food and drink hall has been reduced to two storeys, in keeping with the conservation area.
The old Barclay’s Bank will be replaced with a cycle cafe and hub. It’s hoped this will encourage visitors to the centre of Bacup and also take advantage of the large numbers of cyclists who pass through the town, as well as those who enjoy the cycling facilities at the Greenway and Lee Quarry.
The updated proposals were welcomed by the 2040 Vision Board with Board Chair Simon Dalley commenting:” Bacup Market Square sits in the heart of our historic town. However, the market is currently underutilized and isn’t contributing to the economy of the town in the way a modern market should.
“As such, through the Bacup 2040 Vision, we have always focused on the market as the centrepiece and fulcrum through which to create a new economic engine for growth in the town. These revised plans really deliver our vision and we’re confident they will be included in the Levelling Up bid.”
Feedback received was positive and it was felt the plans were more fitting for Bacup, following the revisions. The increased leisure offering to increase footfall, with proposals for weekly events at the market, was also praised.
There are also plans for a small car park, that will focus on electric vehicles and parking for those drivers who have mobility issues.
Simon added: “This new car park – combined with our proposed redevelopment of Union Street – will be hugely beneficial not only to those drivers who currently struggle to park close enough to the town centre, but also to the town centre businesses themselves.”
Councillor Barbara Ashworth said: “We’re very pleased with the revised plans and the positive way they’ve been received. They feed into our wider 2040 vision for Bacup and we’re hopeful they will be included in the Levelling Up bid.”
Councillor Peter Steen added:” As an elected Councillor and member of the Bacup 2040 Board I was delighted with the latest plans for the enhanced Bacup Market Square. It takes the area into 21st Century whilst retaining the unique Heritage features.
“It will be a multi-functional area that incorporates a traditional market with a modern retail and leisure offer for both residents and visitors.”
The proposals will be considered by the Levelling Up Fund Board, to determine whether the plans will be included in the Levelling Up funding bid. Projects that are successful in securing Levelling Up funding will be announced in summer 2022 and works must be complete in 2024.
Filed under : Bacup 2040 vision