Accrington revamp: Plans submitted for town's £70m transformation

Plans for the £70m transformation of Accrington Town Square have now been submitted.

Hyndburn Council's levelling up boss councillor Mohammed Younis said it was "a big step forward".

Under the plans, the Grade II heritage-listed Market Hall will be transformed into a food and drink hub.

Another application for 23 temporary market cabinets for traders from the Market Hall to relocate to has also been submitted.

Mr Younis said: "This is a big step forward for the refurbishment of these historic buildings.

"This is a real progress and its is now all systems go for this project.

"We still want to hear from residents and traders about their ideas and suggestions to fine tune the scheme as it goes forward."

As part of the the plans, Burtons Chambers will also be restored to become a co-working and events space.

Market Chambers will be refurbished and repaired to become a cultural, arts and heritage venue.

The search for an experienced operator to take the reins after the building works are completed is underway, and will be concluded by January.

Sameena King, Accrington Market Hall manager, said: "It is such an exciting time and not only are we now looking forward to the Market Hall's wider transformation, the market traders are really looking forward to their temporary market on the Square.

"A small number of our existing businesses have made the decision to close when the works begin, and we wish them all the best for the future."

Accrington Market Hall will remain open until 31 December, however, access across the square may be affected at times.

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