Bacup market's £8.3m transformation is full steam ahead - but now it needs you

Residents, businesses and visitors to Rossendale are being asked to look at new design ideas for the £8.3million redevelopment of Bacup Market and Union Street, supported by the borough council.

The proposed new market, to be called Temple Court, would include building a two-storey hall with local produce, crafts, food and drink on the ground floor and a cycle hub and craft makers’ spaces upstairs. The ideas have been created by a retail development firm, Market Creators, with Frank Whittle Partnership architects. rossendale-council>Rossendale Council is behind the scheme and wants people’s views.

The aim is to widen food and drink options and create a seated food hall environment to encourage visitors to spend more time in Bacup in the day and early evening. Heritage experts have also been appointed to see the project fits with Bacup’s historic architecture.

The cycle hub could provide a retail shop as well as repairs and hire service, encouraging people to discover Rossendale by cycle. Nearby is Lee Quarry, an 8km mountain bike trail, and the Valley of Stone cycleway.

The new Bacup market hall will be built on the demolished Barclays Bank site, which backs onto the open market. It is expected to be completed by the spring 2026. Events and entertainment are also planned. Bacup’s Union Street will be made one-way, with footpaths widened to give priority to pedestrians and allow business activities to extend outside.

The new Bacup market hall will be built on the demolished Barclays Bank site

Funding for Rossendale Council came through a capital regeneration project, supported by government Levelling-Up cash. The council said it is now seeking an experienced managing operator to establish Temple Court as a destination and bring the vision to life.

Public engagement sessions are planned for Bacup Library on Monday, February 26, from 10am to 1pm, and Wednesday, February 28, from 4pm to 6.45pm, when the plans will be on show. Comments will also be sought from local business, regeneration and community groups. The plans will also feature on the council’s website throughout February.

Council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said: “The rejuvenation of the market area presents another opportunity to improve Bacup town centre and will address challenges faced by lots of markets around the country. In recent years we have seen declining shopper and trader numbers. We believe this investment will foster community development and address market traders’ economic difficulties.

“The current market is an important asset but at present it struggles to extend its appeal beyond a small, loyal customer base. Temple Court will appeal to a much wider area with its mix.

The aim is to widen food and drink options and create a seated food hall environment

“The concept designs will allow us to approach dynamic, experienced organisations to play a pivotal role in establishing the new market. We look forward to engaging with potential partners.”

The plan follows the Bacup Townscape Heritage Initiative from 2014-2019 and the £1.3million Heritage Action Zone Project which runs until April this year.

Rossendale Council said it has used funding towards improvements to the grade-II listed former Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank. It has also updated Hempsteads Memorial Garden, created Bacup Cultural Consortium and improved 13 town centre buildings.

Public engagement sessions are planned for Bacup Library on Monday, February 26, from 10am to 1pm, and Wednesday, February 28, from 4pm to 6.45pm

Elsewhere, Rawtenstall and Haslingden town centres and markets are earmarked for changes too.

Rawtenstall Market is also set for a revamp. New designs and a planning application are expected soon. The council hopes to appoint a main building contractor this summer and have all design stages completed. The revamped market should be ready by early 2026.

In Haslingden, borough councillors recently approved a planning application to redesign its market. It will demolish existing metal stalls, fit new fixed canopies and create a sheltered seating area.Funding for Haslingden includes government cash from the UK Shared Prosperity scheme, National Heritage Lottery and a project called Haslingden 2014.