Market hall plans unveiled

Plans to transform Colne Market Hall, which include improving the space for traders and shoppers and creating modern apartments, have been unveiled.

The £4.8m development, which includes £3m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund, aims to create a “brighter and more modern market hall”.

An outside area will allow more space for events and there will also be a food hall as part of the transformation.

Nine existing upstairs apartments in the building will be refurbished to modern living standards and the existing café will be removed to create two new apartments.

The work is a key part of reinvigorating Colne to attract more people into the town centre, boosting the day and night-time economy.

Council leader Asjad Mahmood said: “We are very excited to have reached this stage in the project.

“A lot of hard work has taken place to get to this point and I’m delighted we can now share the plans with everyone.

“Colne Market has been a central feature of the town since it opened in 1973 and the proposed scheme would inject new life into it, making the market a greater part of events such as the Great Rhythm and Blues Festival and Colne Grand Prix.”

A public consultation is now underway until Friday October 20, giving people an opportunity to have their say before Pendle Council reviews the planning application.

Designs are available to view on Pendle Borough Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk

PEARL 2 (Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration Ltd), a partnership between Pendle Council and local developer Barnfield, is leading the project.

 Colne received £6.5m from the first round of the government’s Levelling Up Fund for a range of projects in the heart of the historic market town.

The Little Theatre, The Muni Theatre and Pendle Hippodrome are being restored, creating a new ‘Heritage Quarter’ which will provide an enhanced programme of events and activities.