New jobs created as market reopens after £4.8m revamp

A town's market is set to reopen following a £4.8m revamp - with new food and drink outlets and community events over the bank holiday weekend.

Colne Market Hall in Colne, east Lancashire, will reopen on Friday, with the regeneration - partly funded by the government's levelling-up fund - aiming to boost the town centre and create jobs.

The food hall is seen as a key addition to other traditional market stalls, and bosses say about 100 jobs have been created across four new businesses.

Stallholders, who have spent more than two years on a temporary site on Hartley Square, said the "dark" old market had needed a revamp.

James Wareing, who runs Pendle Home Entertainment, said people would see a "great new space" which was "bright and vibrant".

Kathryn Pana, who owns KP Crafts, previously told BBC Radio Lancashire "everyone has a really excited feeling".

The old market needed renovating, she said, adding: "It was very dark and it wasn't very attractive to the younger generation especially."

The deputy lieutenant of Lancashire, Christiana Buchanan, will formally open the market hall before a free programme of events runs across the weekend including live music, choirs, art, a quiz night and family activities.

Ged Lynch, from the Market Quarter Group, which manages the hall, said: "This is about more than just a new venue - it's about creating a space that supports independent businesses, drives customer footfall and plays a role in the wider regeneration of the town centre.

"The bank holiday weekend of activity will give people the chance to experience everything the space has to offer."

"We're excited to open the doors and see it become what markets are at their best – places where people come together and where local businesses can thrive."

Four new independent food and drink operators will be based at the market, which also includes an upper floor which could be used for small offices, art and craft studios or start-up businesses, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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