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Bury Market flexi hall

Bury Council has been successful in securing £20 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund to support transformational improvements at Bury Market, the development of a new Flexi Hall and enhanced public realm improvements. The scheme is also being co-funded by Bury Council.

This a crucial part of wider plans to transform the town centre, which include a new transport interchange and a redeveloped Mill Gate centre.

Bury Market background

The world famous and award winning Bury Market was voted Britain's favourite market in 2019. It plays a vital role to the Bury's local economy, providing jobs to hundreds of individuals, bringing in large amounts of money to the town, and supporting a loyal customer base - with the market being particularly well-used by people living in deprived neighbourhoods, and elderly pensioners living alone.

Despite the market's current success, a number of issues threaten its long-term future, including the dominance of international and corporate retailers, the rise of online shopping, outdated infrastructure in need of repair, and a narrowing base of traders and customers.

The market's buildings are in desperate need of investment, with the last refurbishment undertaken in 1999. Since these works, the dynamics of the town centre have changed, and the market now needs to improve its links into the interchange and The Rock shopping centre.

Within Bury, the market is tucked away between the Millgate shopping centre and a dual carriageway which leaves the area feeling hard to locate, especially for visitors arriving at the tram terminus.

Given the fabric and condition of the buildings, there is a need for immediate public sector investment to sustain this crucial community asset, or risk the town lacking its focal attraction in a post COVID-19 world.

The information provided to Government in the bid is viewable below. Some information, including that of a commercially sensitive or personal nature has been removed or redacted.

Bury Market regeneration proposals

Flexi hall

Create a high quality, multifunctional events venue at a key town centre gateway to:

  • enhance community, cultural, leisure and hospitality offer
  • support a range of business and community organisations, and promote resident wellbeing
  • complement the Bury Market 'offer'.

Market improvement works

To sustain, enhance and futureproof Bury Market:

  • install new roof canopies
  • reconfigure existing spaces to create a higher quality environment
  • access and servicing improvements to aid circulation, and create a more visible and higher profile entrance from key points of arrival
  • measures to support sustainability and decarbonization
  • carry out repairs and maintenance.

Public realm and linkages

To clear outdated retail and ancillary buildings, and create a new public realm environment that will:

  • better link Bury Market with the town centre including Bury Interchange, Bury College, and other civic infrastructure
  • provide new 'place making' opportunities for shoppers, community, visitors and small businesses
  • create flexible outdoor space to host events, including pop-up trading, community and other live events
  • improve signage and wayfinding, seating and landscaping.

Bury Market regeneration frequently asked questions