£4.2m market upgrade to 'breathe new life in town'

The council said the upgrade will allow them to address several challenges currently faced by the market

The redevelopment of a market in a Lancashire town to make it a "safer, warmer, and more inviting space" has been approved by planners.

The £4.2m plan for Rawtenstall Market includes relocation of the entrance to face Bank Street, the creation of a flexible, multi-purpose space, and upgraded toilets.

It forms part of the £20m Rawtenstall Masterplan, which aims to create a more functional and welcoming environment for businesses, shoppers, and visitors.

Leader of Rossendale Borough Council, Alyson Barnes, said it would "breathe new life" into the town centre and ensure markets continued to "serve as valuable hubs for our communities”.

The market, on Newchurch Road, was established in1906

The council said the upgrade would allow them to address several challenges currently faced by the market, including the need to improve the building’s overall structure and long-standing traffic and infrastructure challenges in the town.

The market, on Newchurch Road, was established in1906.

While the market building undergoes redevelopment, it is anticipated that traders will continue to operate from Rawtenstall town square.

Work is expected to start in March.