Bury's indoor market hall could be restored after Chancellor John Healey announced £10m of funding in his Budget speech. The money, from the Government's Local Renewal Fund, is intended to 'address the former Indoor Market Hall's condition and enable its future use', according to Bury Council.
Closure and trader displacement
The market hall has been closed since October 2023, when Bury Council ordered its immediate closure after the discovery of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in the roof. Dozens of traders were displaced, with many relocated to other parts of the market and the neighbouring Mill Gate shopping centre.
Three years on, the hall remains closed, and the long delay has led many to question why it has not reopened sooner. Some have said they believed the money spent on the market's new flexi-hall, called Casewells, should have gone instead on solving the RAAC issue.
Funding details and future plans
While Mr Healey's speech was light on details, the town hall has confirmed the cash is intended, at least partially, to address the hall's condition. However, bosses stressed 'no decisions have been made' on precisely what that 'future use' could look like, with options to be considered. Those decisions will be 'informed by the needs of the wider town centre', and traders, residents, businesses and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to contribute.
Bury Council said the investment has been 'secured following years of work' by its teams and local partners and represents a 'major step forward in the transformation of Bury town centre'. The investment is also expected to 'support ambitions' for new homes in the area around the market, which the council believes will create 'better links to shops, services and public transport'.
Reactions and wider investment
The council stressed the money is 'not the start of a new regeneration programme', but the 'latest investment' in a 'long-term plan'. Alongside the planned opening of the Casewells flexi-hall next month, the council has also secured £24m from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for work to the Mill Gate. Investment into Bury Interchange is also ongoing, with work planned to create a new access, upgrade Metrolink platforms and the wider interchange, and potentially deliver housing on the land.
Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said: "Bury Market is the jewel in our town centre's crown. Generations have shopped, traded and built businesses here, and we know how much people have missed the Indoor Market since its closure. We've worked hard to support traders through a difficult period while pursuing a long-term solution.
"Securing this funding has taken sustained work by the council, with the support of our Leader, Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, and James Frith's campaigning in Parliament. It's a fantastic result for Bury. [Our] LET'S Do It! [strategy] has always been about building on what makes our towns special and turning ambition into action. Look around Bury and you can see that happening. This £10 million is more evidence that we're doing it – but we're not done."
James Frith, MP for Bury North, added: "Today's Budget announcement of £10 million for Bury Indoor Market is a huge win for our town. I know how devastating the closure of the market hall was, the businesses and livelihoods impacted and the loss for our town.
"That's why I've been making the case in Westminster to secure the investment needed to bring this vital part of Bury back to life. Through my Our Bury campaign, I have taken the views of residents directly to Government and made the case that Bury deserves ambitious investment in its future.
"Bury Indoor Market is one of our town's most iconic assets. It supports jobs, attracts visitors and plays a central role in our local identity. Its loss was tragic to both traders and our community.
"This £10 million investment is a significant step forward and a real vote of confidence in Bury. But it is only the beginning. I look forward to working with traders, stakeholders, Bury Council and the wider community to ensure we make the most of this opportunity and deliver a market that can thrive for decades to come."
Chancellor John Healey said: "Today's Budget allocates £10 million to Bury's Indoor Market through my new Local Renewal Fund, to transform our high streets from the places we live into the places we love. Markets are at the heart of town centres up and down the country.
"The iconic market hall closing in 2023 was felt across the town, and James Frith MP has made a strong case for the funding needed to support its reopening."
