Temporary site agreed for stall holders amid market revamp

Rossendale Council's cabinet has given the green light to plans to temporarily relocate Rawtenstall Market traders to a town centre site. The move is part of a redevelopment scheme for the indoor market hall and surrounding area.

From March, food and non-food vendors will be accommodated in kiosks or other structures at Rawtenstall's new Town Square, near the bus station, for approximately a year. A series of events, alcohol licensing arrangements and promotional activities are planned to support the traders and boost the wider town centre economy during this transition period.

Known for its independent food stalls and evening events like 'Foodie Fridays', Rawtenstall Market's revamp is being funded partly by the levelling-up funds granted to Rossendale Council by the previous Conservative government. This week, the council's cabinet approved several measures, including the relocation of some retail kiosks from Ashton Market in Greater Manchester to Rawtenstall Town Square, following an agreement with Tameside Council.

Work on this project is set to commence this month. An allocation of £100,000 has been set aside for this task, which includes the dismantling of four Ashton kiosks, transportation and crane hire.

Each kiosk will cost between £5,000 and £7,000. In addition, specially designed food stalls equipped with fume extraction units, refrigeration, lighting and utilities will be provided for food traders, reports Lancs Live.

The entire temporary relocation scheme for all traders has been assigned a budget of £500,000.

Labour Cllr Chris Harris outlined plans at the latest Rossendale Council cabinet meeting. He said the proposed temporary stalls would offer a secure environment for traders during renovations at the market hall, ensuring trade continuity and bolstering the local economy.

He stated: "These recommendations are about the next steps to take the market to a temporary position in the Town Square for about one year. There have been meetings with market traders and council officers to consider things. One outstanding issue is the appointment of a new market management team because the current one is ending around March. "

Last autumn, it was revealed that Rossendale-based Play Market Management will conclude its current management of Rawtenstall Market. This followed a period of controversy over potential future ideas to relocate food-and-drink stalls from outside to inside the market hall, and possibly create a new central bar.

Some food-and-drinks stallholders expressed concerns that creating a central bar would impact their incomes. At the cabinet, Cllr Harris added: "The council is able to buy at scrappage prices some stalls for retail traders. We are still to do more work on food stall details. Overall, there will be a phase transfer of traders to the town square to minimise disruption."

Plans to increase visitor numbers through events, marketing and promotion are being put in place, according to council plans. A premises licence will also be introduced, allowing for the sale of alcohol and hosting of events.

Market traders will receive a minimum of one month rent-free from the opening of the temporary market and will be charged 80 per cent of current rents. Agreements on utility charges and waste removal will also be established.

Cllr Alyson Barnes, the leader of Rossendale Council, 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."