This Lancashire market hall will reopen today following a £3.5m revamp just in time for the May Bank Holiday

Colne Market Hall will reopen this Friday following a £3.5m revamp – with new food-and-drink outlets and community events over the bank holiday weekend.

The regeneration scheme aims to boost Colne town centre, day and night, and create jobs. The food hall is seen as a key addition to traditional market stalls and bosses say around 100 jobs have been created across four new businesses.

Colne already has an existing local independent shop, restaurant and music scene, including the Blues festival. And the town has also seen major investment in three theatres. Its night-time economy, events and tourism are seen as key areas for future growth.

Much of the market hall and theatre improvements have been funded from a  £6m Levelling-Up pot, agreed under the previous Conservative government with Pendle Council. Now, the council is working with a commercial partner, Market Quarter Group, in managing the redesigned hall.

On Friday, May 1, the Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, Christiana Buchanan, will formally open the market hall at 10am. Then a free programme of events will run across the bank holiday weekend including live music, choirs, art, a quiz night and family activities.

Ged Lynch, from the Market Quarter Group, said, “We’re incredibly proud to be opening Colne Market Hall and bringing this landmark regeneration project to life in the heart of the town.

“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. Alongside that, we’ve brought together a strong line-up of independent food-and-drink operators, creating a destination that works throughout the day and into the evening.

“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 there. They are Panko & Sushi, Agora Greek street food, Boroughs New York-style pizza, Naanwich Indian sandwiches, Wills Wine Bar and Three Peaks Brewery.

Existing market stall holders were relocated to other shops in Colne during the revamp work, which began in early 2024. At the time, some traders voiced concerns about business disruption, future rent costs and the trend for expensive, specialist markets aimed at young ‘millennials’.

The new hall includes an upper floor which could be used for small offices, art and craft studios or start-up businesses.