Temporary new market site confirmed

The £4.2m plan for Rawtenstall Market forms part of the £20m Rawtenstall masterplan

Plans to move market traders to a temporary town centre site while the indoor market hall and surrounds are redeveloped have been approved by a council.

Rawtenstall Market's traders will be housed in kiosks or other structures at Rawtenstall's new Town Square, near the bus station, from March for around a year.

Events, alcohol licensing arrangements and promotional activity is planned to support the traders and the wider town centre economy through the changes.

The £4.2m plan for Rawtenstall Market forms part of the £20m Rawtenstall masterplan, which aims to create a more functional and welcoming environment for businesses, shoppers, and visitors.

The market hall revamp is using some of the levelling-up funds given to Rossendale Council by the previous Conservative government.

This week, Rossendale Council's cabinet agreed a number of measures  including bringing some retail kiosks from Ashton Market in Greater Manchester to Rawtenstall Town Square, in a deal with Tameside Council.

'Traders are happy'

Work will start this month.

Food stalls will be specifically designed for such traders and will have fume extraction units, refrigeration, lighting and utilities.

Overall, the whole temporary relocation scheme for all traders has been earmarked a budget of £500,000.

Rossendale Council leader, Alyson Barnes, said: "There are almost 50 businesses at the market so it's very important we provide the temporary accommodation.

"From what I have read and understand, traders are happy with these ideas."