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Bury Market: Council to submit flexi-hall plans
The local authority has submitted an application to demolish three town centre buildings to make way for a new flexible events hall as part of plans to regenerate parts of the town centre.
The proposals also include a new canopy structure to cover the existing outdoor market and temporary permission for the car park to be used for site cabins during construction work.
The construction of the new “flexi-hall” and associated improvement works at Bury Market were signed off in 2021 after the borough received £20 million of government funds as part of its levelling up fund.
Developers say that while the market is thriving commercially, some of its existing infrastructure is “decaying rapidly” and “are in the last years of their life”.
Three town centre buildings are set to come down, including the market offices on Murray Road, three retail units on Princess Parade and the former Admiral Casino.
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Demolition of the existing polycarbonate market canopies will also take place to make way for two new canopies covering the exiting marketplace, under the plans.
As part of the transformation, architects JH.A say the new flexi-hall could be used for conferences, music festivals, art exhibitions, weddings and private parties.
The architects, who have been working with the council to come up with the plans, say they hope the new design will broaden the market’s appeal and ensure its future in the coming decades.
In its proposals, JH.A said: “Although the market is thriving on a commercial level, the buildings are decaying rapidly and are in fact in the last years of their life.
“A plan is needed to future proof and protect the market traders for many more years to come.
“The existing Bury Market is partly open air and part of the Mill Gate retail area. Both of these areas are located close together and have a similar synergy.
“However, despite the importance of the market area it feels constrained and the approaches to it are poor in urban design terms.
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“The lack of space and availability to grow and evolve has meant that the market area and its immediate environment has stagnated and is framed by poor quality urban environment.
“The area feels more like a service area despite its primary function as a thoroughfare.”
The company added that its proposals seek to create a flexible space which is a place of social as well as retail interaction.
