After extensive exploration of different management options for Accrington Market, including discussions with commercial operators, Hyndburn Borough Council has decided that local internal management offers the best opportunity for a market that genuinely serves our community. Councillors and Officers met with current market traders today to discuss the operating model for when work is complete.
Cllr Clare Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Town Centres said:
“Working with potential operators helped us understand what modern markets need to succeed. Through this process, we’ve learned something important: the most successful markets aren’t just retail destinations, they’re embedded in their communities, serving local people while also attracting visitors.
We’re now applying those insights in a way that works specifically for Accrington and for everyone who lives here. Council management gives us crucial flexibility to create something that balances ambition with accessibility. Somewhere with great food and drink alongside entertainment and events and everyday community life.
We can offer opportunities to local traders and local employment. We can integrate it with our wider regeneration work and our events programme to drive prosperity.
The building work has secured the market hall’s fabric for decades to come, and now we’re focused on making what happens inside it truly count.
This is Accrington’s market, for the people of Hyndburn, and we’re moving forward with confidence and ambition.
As we look ahead to local government reorganisation in Lancashire, establishing the market under strong council management now ensures it will remain a priority and a protected asset for Hyndburn, whatever changes come.”
