£8.3m plan to rejuvenate Bacup market approved

Rossendale Borough Council has granted approval for the concept design for the £8.3m redevelopment of Bacup Market and Union Street.

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 has been created by retail development specialist Market Curators, and developed and finalised by architects FWP. Heritage experts have also been appointed to ensure that the carbon friendly facility fuses with Bacup’s historic streetscene.

A 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.

In addition to 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.

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.

The council is now seeking an experienced managing operator to establish Temple Court as a destination for visitors and bring the vision to life and will be holding an event for interested parties to talk through the plans in the coming months.

Coun Alyson Barnes, Rossendale Borough Council leader, 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 footfall and trader numbers. We believe this investment will foster community development and address market traders’ economic difficulties.

“The current market is an important asset to the town centre 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 food and drink offer and the cycle hub."