Multi-million-pound redevelopment of Bacup Market and Union Street gets green light

The concept design for the £8.3m redevelopment of Bacup Market and Union Street has been given the green light by Rossendale Borough Council.

Plans for the new community-focused market, to be called Temple Court, include the construction of a ‘state-of-the-art’ two-storey Market Hall offering local produce, crafts, food and drink on the ground floor and a cycle hub and makers’ spaces on the upper floor.

The vision, created by retail development experts Market Curators, and developed and finalised by architects the Frank Whittle Partnership, intends to offer a broader provision of food and drink options and seating within a food hall to encourage visitors to spend more time in the area both during the day and early evening. 

Heritage experts have also been appointed to ensure that the carbon friendly facility fuses with Bacup’s historic streetscene. The cycle hub hopes to provide a retail offer as well as a bicycle repairs and hire service enabling people to discover the Rossendale Valley on two wheels. 

The hub will be in close proximity to Lee Quarry, an 8km mountain bike trail, and the Valley of Stone Cycleway. The Market Hall will be built on the site of the former Barclays Bank, which backs onto the open market in the heart of the town centre and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.

Apart from the food and drink offer a full programme of weekly, monthly and annual events will be held including pop-up stalls, specialist markets and live entertainment. The outdoor market will be home to traditional stalls selling a variety of fresh food, creative works and household wares.

As part of the redevelopment, Union Street, which runs adjacent to the market, will be made one way, and footpaths widened to give priority to pedestrians over vehicles and provide an opportunity for businesses to spill onto the pavements.

Funding for the scheme has successfully been secured by Rossendale Borough Council through the Capital Regeneration Project, supported by Levelling Up.

Rossendale Borough Council leader, Cllr Alyson Barnes, commented: “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. 

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