FWP begins work on Bacup Market redevelopment project

Architecture, design and masterplanning practice FWP has begun work on the detailed designs for the ambitious £8.3m redevelopment of Bacup Market.

The project to deliver the new community-focused market for the Lancashire town – to be called Temple Court – has moved onto the next stage after concept designs were approved by Rossendale Borough Council.

The vision has been created by FWP’s architecture team in conjunction with retail development specialist Market Curators.

Preston headquartered FWP is now working on the detailed plans for Temple Court Market with the aim of submitting them for planning approval later this year. If approved, work to deliver the new market will get underway in early 2025.

Temple Court will feature a two-storey Market Hall, with the ground floor offering a diverse array of local produce, crafts, food and drink, while the upper floor will host a cycle hub and makers’ spaces.

It will be built on the site of the former market in the heart of the town centre and is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.

The vision also includes the creation of a public plaza and events space and the development aims to encourage revitalisation, activity and investment in the area. The cycle hub is intended to attract tourists and leisure enthusiasts.

Rossendale Council has secured funding from the government’s Levelling Up Fund for the project, described as a “transformational project” for the Lancashire town.

Neil Ainsworth, partner at FWP, which also has offices in Manchester and London, said: “Following the approval of the concept designs for the market we are now working to deliver detailed designs as part of the ongoing planning process.

“We’ve worked very hard to create a modern, community-focused market hall that will be transformative for the area but also fits in well with the town’s much-cherished heritage.

“We have developed designs for a sustainable building, which will be both resource and energy efficient and which utilises both traditional and contemporary materials.

“Once completed, the new Temple Court Market will have a diverse and vibrant offering to attract visitors into the town and the attractive public plaza and ‘market garden’ green space that are part of the plans will greatly enhance the area.

“We are looking forward to sharing our detailed designs for Temple Court Market with the local community over the coming months.”

FWP is involved in a wide-range of regeneration projects, including the recently unveiled restoration of the iconic Rochdale Town Hall.

It has also unveiled its plans for the £7.4m transformation of Amounderness House - Preston’s Grade II-listed former magistrates’ court in the city centre.

FWP is currently working on the Preston City Council project to convert the historic building, which has stood empty for more than 20 years, into a modern, flexible workspace hub.

The office scheme is part of the ambitious £200m programme of investment and regeneration taking place in the Harris Quarter in Preston city centre.

FWP also led on the award-winning £5m regeneration of Preston’s markets and the restoration of their iconic Victorian canopies.