Saturday footfall in Haslingden town centre increased by more than 10% between April and June 2026 compared with the same period in 2024.
Early figures show encouraging signs for Haslingden, with Saturday footfall increasing by 10.4% following the completion of town centre improvements and the introduction of a programme of events, creating a flexible space for community events, markets, and festivals.
The improvements have transformed the northern stretch of Deardengate into a new town square, designed to create a more welcoming and attractive town centre for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Wider footpaths, improved pedestrian routes, new seating, lighting, artwork and landscaping have also been introduced to make the town centre safer and more accessible.
Councillor Nick Harris, Rossendale Borough Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “These early figures are really encouraging. The investment was about creating a town centre that feels more welcoming and provides a better setting for local businesses, residents and visitors, but we know physical improvements are only one part of the picture.”
“We also need to give people reasons to come into the town centre, which is why the programme of events has been so important. They have brought families together, supported local businesses and helped create a real sense of activity in Haslingden.”
“There is still more work to do and footfall will naturally vary from month to month, but an increase of more than 10% on Saturdays is a positive early sign.”
The public realm scheme was designed by Layer.Studio, working alongside Rossendale Borough Council and its partners.
Matthew Warner, director of landscape at Layer.studio, said: “People movement was at the heart of our designs and we worked hard to create something that put people first, brought nature back into the heart of the town and celebrated Haslingden’s unique heritage and character.”
“The long-term vision was to improve connectivity, prioritise pedestrians and create a more people-focused town centre and solutions including low-traffic measures, enhanced walking routes, climate-resilient planting and rain gardens have done just that.”
Alongside the physical improvements, Rossendale Borough Council and its partners have introduced a programme of events and activities aimed at giving residents and visitors more reasons to spend time in Haslingden.
Events held since the completion of the works have included art journaling workshops, forging workshops, Mum Knows Best cookbook launch, Eid Al-Fitr celebration, Ottoman art workshops, Chocolate on the square, VE day celebration, Spring Fest, Eid Al-Adha celebration, craft markets, comedy nights and a music makers event. Together, they attracted an estimated 3,109 attendees.