Lancashire firms put finishing touches on Accrington Market revamp

The Victorian-era market is now just a matter of months away from being unveiled to the public, after undergoing more than two-and-a-half years of renovation to transform it into a mixed-use food and retail space, alongside its traditional stalls.

Once it has opened, Hyndburn Council hopes that the market hall will function as a community hub that draws people back into the heart of the town, with an array of businesses offering food, drink, and social experiences.

The re-launch of the 160-year-old market is being overseen by the council’s new town centre venue manager, restaurateur Paul Fox, who has won the praises of councillors across the political divide for the vision and energy he has brought to the project since his appointment in May.

(Image: Hyndburn Council)

But with barely three months to go, there has been a flurry of activity in recent weeks, as the council and its contractors prepare for the launch of the keystone regeneration project.

This includes the controversial decision to take the running of the hall’s bar and café in-house, after struggling to find the right firm to run these businesses that will be central to the project’s success.

When this move was approved by Hyndburn’s cabinet earlier this month, councillors were told that any profits would be poured back into the market and boosting the success of the wider £25m regeneration scheme in the town centre, which includes the restoration of the nearby Burton's Chambers and Market Chambers.

But this council-run aspect of the business is not the only part of the project that will have a local touch, with many of the firms now racing to prepare the hall for its opening in November also coming from the area.

Hyndburn's cabinet approved the decision to take over the running of Accrington Market Hall's bar and cafe earlier this month (Image: Will Morgan)

Design consultancy Conception Design Associates (CDA) is fitting out the market's catering spaces, working alongside local contractors to make sure everything is ready for the big day.

Lee Watson, Managing Director at Conception Design Associates, said: "Being local to the area, I have experienced much of what Accrington's social life had to offer in my younger days, and to now be able to work alongside the local council to deliver this fantastic new facility. It feels like we have gone full circle and I am now giving back."

Clayton-le-Moors-based CED Fabrications are leading the way on putting together the kitchens for hospitality businesses in the hall, as well as the food kiosk counters and central bar.

In addition to being one of the largest catering manufacturers in the country, they also employ over 100 people in the local area, whose hard work will be seen when the hall opens.

Accrington Market Hall is set to reopen in November (Image: Hyndburn Council)

Stuart Russell, Sales Director at CED, said: "I am really looking forward to working alongside Lee and his team at CDA, and the local council on such a fantastic local project which will showcase a dining out experience not to be forgotten.”

The final piece of the hospitality project puzzle is Haslingden’s PMJ Kitchen Ventilation, who are supplying and installing the extraction systems and stainless steel cladding that are essential to keeping the kitchens cool and clean.

Paul Jackson, Managing Director at PMJ, said: "Supplying and installing the extraction canopies is about more than just fitting equipment, it is about building the foundation for Accrington's future.

“By equipping the historic market with modern, top-tier facilities, we are empowering local food traders to share their passion and proudly serve our community for generations to come."

Councillor Clare Pritchard, Hyndburn’s Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Town Centres, praised the local involvement in the project, saying: "One of the great strengths of this project is the involvement of businesses from right here in our local area.

“The expertise being provided by companies in Clayton-Le-Moors, Haslingden and others across Lancashire and the North West is helping us deliver a quality facility for residents, traders and visitors, while also supporting local jobs and keeping some of the significant investment within our local economy.

“I’m particularly pleased that much of the kitchens, food stands and bar area are being manufactured just two miles down the road in Clayton-Le-Moors.”

Cllr Pritchard added: “I’m so excited to see these finishing touches provided by local suppliers upon completion of the work and when we reopen in November.”

Under current plans, this re-opening will take place on the same day as the Christmas lights switch-on, which is on Thursday, November 26.