Bacup Projects

The Bacup Market & Union Street Redevelopment is a major improvement project designed to revitalise the area, enhance the functionality of Bacup Market, and create a more attractive and accessible town centre. It involves refurbishing Bacup Market, improving the layout and facilities for traders and visitors, and delivering public realm enhancements along Union Street. Together, these changes aim to provide a better experience for residents, businesses, and visitors, while supporting the long-term vitality of the town centre.

The project seeks to improve the design and usability of Bacup Market, enhance Union Street with better accessibility and improved public space, and support local businesses by encouraging greater footfall. It also aims to create a more cohesive, attractive, and welcoming town centre environment, with a focus on enhancing the public realm and ensuring the area works well for everyone.

The redevelopment will deliver upgraded facilities for both traders and visitors, an improved layout with better access, and enhancements to the visual appeal of the market. One of the features of the redevelopment will be the introduction of a new canopy. This canopy will provide shelter, enhance the visual appeal of the market, and create a distinctive focal point for the town centre. Careful attention has been given to the canopy’s shape and materials so that it complements the character of the surrounding area, while maintaining important sightlines from Market Street to the market stalls. The stalls nearest to St James Street will be refurbished beneath the canopy, giving them a fresh look and ensuring they remain functional and inviting for both traders and visitors. Landscaping will also take place on the footprint of the former Barclays Bank building, opening up views to the market and adding amphitheatre-style steps to improve access and create a more welcoming public space.

 For Union Street, works will focus on accessibility, safety, and the quality of public space. The final details are being developed in consultation with Lancashire County Council, but improvements will be designed to ensure Union Street feels more welcoming, usable, and connected to the wider town centre.

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, subject to planning and procurement approvals. The project is being managed by Rossendale Borough Council, supported by specialist architects, project teams, and key partners including Lancashire County Council.

For the latest information and updates, you can follow Council communications on social media, or contact the Economic Development Team directly at economicdevelopment@rossendalebc.gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bacup Market & Union Street Redevelopment

What is the Bacup Market & Union Street Redevelopment project?

The Bacup Market & Union Street Redevelopment is a major improvement project led by Rossendale Borough Council to revitalise the heart of Bacup. It aims to refurbish Bacup Market, enhance Union Street, and create a more attractive, accessible, and welcoming town centre for residents, traders, and visitors.

What are the main aims of the project?

The project seeks to:

• Provide a flexible public space that can host markets, seasonal events, and community activities, encouraging social cohesion and economic vitality.
• Enhance Union Street through better accessibility, safety, and high-quality public spaces
• Support local businesses by encouraging greater footfall
• Create a more cohesive, vibrant, and attractive town centre that reflects Bacup’s heritage and character

What changes are proposed for Bacup Market?

The redevelopment will include:

• Refurbished stalls with improved access and facilities for traders and visitors
• A new canopy structure providing shelter and creating a distinctive focal point for the market and public events.
• New café and public toilet facilities creating an active and welcoming frontage that encourages people to meet, socialise, and spend time in the space.
• Landscaping on the former Barclays Bank site, including amphitheatre-style steps and improved views into the market
• Enhancements to the visual appeal and functionality of the market, ensuring it remains central to Bacup’s town centre offer

What is the new market canopy made from?

The new canopy will be constructed from Glulam (glued laminated timber) a high-strength, sustainable timber material. Glulam was chosen for its durability, environmental performance, and aesthetic quality. It offers the warmth and character of natural wood while being strong enough to span large areas without heavy supports. Its design and finish have been carefully considered to complement Bacup’s historic architecture, maintain important sightlines from Market Street, and provide a visually appealing focal point that enhances the overall character of the town centre.

What improvements are planned for Union Street?

The Union Street works will focus on:

• Making the street safer and more accessible for pedestrians
• Improving surfacing, lighting, and public spaces

The footpaths will be enlarged around the crossroad between Union Street (running North to South) and Union Street (running East to West) and Irwell Street, providing connectivity between the market, town centre, and surrounding areas focusing on safe crossing areas for pedestrians.

Final design details are being developed in partnership with Lancashire County Council to ensure the improvements complement wider regeneration work in Bacup.

How will the project benefit local residents and businesses?

The redevelopment will:

• Create a more welcoming and functional town centre
• This will Increase footfall and economic activity, supporting local traders and businesses
• Provide improved public spaces for markets, events, and community activities
• Help preserve Bacup’s heritage while promoting long-term vitality and growth

When will construction start and how long will it take?

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, following planning and procurement approvals. A detailed construction programme will be shared once confirmed, and every effort will be made to minimise disruption during the works.

Who is delivering the project?

The scheme is being managed by Rossendale Borough Council, working in partnership with Lancashire County Council (for Union Street), specialist architects, and project partners.

What happens next?

Following the consultation, feedback will be reviewed and used to finalise the designs before submission for planning approval. Updates on progress will be shared through the Council’s website and social media channels.