Accrington Market Hall Levelling Up Plans
[Cllr Haworth and Sadie at Happy Hands Haberdashery Stall in Accrington Market Hall]
With allocations from the Government’s Levelling Up fund now confirmed for Hyndburn plans are beginning to take shape for the building at the heart of the borough, Accrington Market Hall.
This month Cllr Marlene Haworth met with existing Market traders to answer questions and update them on the plans for the coming months.
Cllr Marlene Haworth, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Markets, said:
“It was fantastic to meet with traders recently and discuss the exciting plans for the future of our beautiful Accrington Market Hall. Everyone who has spoken to me knows I have consistently championed the heritage of our borough, and advocated for a vibrant floral market town once again. It is important that we keep the warm community feel of our iconic Victorian Market Hall, which can soon become a hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive.
“I would like to reassure people that the investment proposals for the Market Hall have always included space for traditional traders and stalls, in addition to new food outlets. The Market hall is huge and for many years has not been at full capacity. This over supply of space will be championed in the Levelling Up Plans and fully utilised.
“Please continue to support our brilliant traders throughout this exciting process and let’s look forward to welcoming many more to the family once works are complete.”
The proposed plans allocate around 50% of the ground floor space inside the market hall to a new vibrant food and drink destination, with the other 50% for traditional retail and trader outlets. This balance of offer will mean people can shop, socialise, and enjoy the magnificent building – which will be full of unique independent businesses and eateries. Currently proposed plans indicate that the balcony incubator units will be maintained.
Hyndburn Council secured £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, of which almost £11million is allocated to transform and re-launch Accrington Market Hall.
In addition to this, the successful bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocates £560,000 to ‘green’ the town centre, plus £150,000 to support marketing and promotion of redeveloped town square buildings once completed.
Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Leader of Hyndburn Council, said:
“To ensure we hit the ground running once the renovations of the Market Hall are complete, we will be looking for an established business or organisation, with an excellent track record of success, to take over the management of our wonderful Market.
“This opportunity will be advertised and promoted once open for applications however we are encouraging anyone interested to get in touch via emailing enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk so we can make sure information is sent to you once available.”
For information and updates about Hyndburn’s levelling up plans people can sign up to the e-newsletter here.