Designers of the £8.3m redevelopment of Bacup Market said concept designs for the plans have been approved.

Architects FWP have begun work on the designs for the ambitious project which aims to deliver a 'new community-focused market', which will be named Temple Court. 

The vision has been created by FWP in conjunction with retail development specialist Market Curators. If approved, work to deliver the new market will get under way in early 2025.

Temple Court will feature a two-storey Market Hall, with the ground floor offering a diverse array of local produce, crafts, food and drink, while the upper floor will host a cycle hub and makers’ spaces.

It will be built on the site of the former market in the heart of the town centre and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. 

The vision also includes the creation of a public plaza and events space and the development aims to encourage revitalisation, activity and investment in the area. The cycle hub is intended to attract tourists and leisure enthusiasts.

Neil Ainsworth, partner at FWP, which also has offices in Manchester and London, said: “Following the approval of the concept designs for the market we are now working to deliver detailed designs as part of the ongoing planning process.

“We’ve worked very hard to create a modern, community-focused market hall that will be transformative for the area but also fits in well with the town’s much-cherished heritage.

“We have developed designs for a sustainable building, which will be both resource and energy efficient and which utilises both traditional and contemporary materials.

“Once completed, the new Temple Court Market will have a diverse and vibrant offering to attract visitors into the town and the attractive public plaza and ‘market garden’ green space that are part of the plans will greatly enhance the area.

“We are looking forward to sharing our detailed designs for Temple Court Market with the local community over the coming months.”