£10 million secured for Bury Market as town centre transformation gathers pace
A major £10 million government investment in Bury Market marks another significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Bury town centre, strengthening ambitions for one of the town’s most treasured landmarks and its future.
The funding, announced in the Government’s Budget, follows sustained work by Bury Council to develop proposals and make the case for investment, alongside campaigning by Bury North MP James Frith.
It represents an important step towards addressing the future of the former Indoor Market Hall, which closed in October 2023 following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
Bury Market has long been at the heart of the town’s identity, bringing together independent traders, shoppers and visitors across generations. Securing funding towards its future is therefore welcome news for the market community and the wider town centre.
But this investment is part of a much bigger picture.
Building on a long-term vision for Bury
Bury’s town centre transformation has been shaped by a long-term ambition to create a more vibrant, connected and attractive destination for residents, businesses and visitors.
The Council’s LET’S Do It! strategy, launched in 2020, set out a vision for thriving local businesses, stronger communities and investment across the borough’s six towns. This was followed by the 2022 Bury Town Centre Masterplan, which outlined opportunities to revitalise the market, transform Mill Gate, improve public spaces and create new reasons for people to visit and spend time in the town.
More than £33 million has already been invested in the market area, including new outdoor market canopies and Casewells, the new food, drink and events venue opening in November.
Further significant investment is also supporting the transformation of Mill Gate, with more than £24 million secured from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority earlier this month. Plans to improve surrounding public spaces are progressing, with consultation on the next phase expected in November, while proposals for a new Bury Interchange are also moving forward.
Together, these projects represent a significant programme of investment that will help reconnect key parts of the town centre, improve the experience for visitors and create new opportunities for businesses.
Supporting the market community
The closure of the Indoor Market Hall has been a challenging period for traders and the wider market community.
Bury Council has continued to support affected traders through relocation to alternative premises, refurbished units, relocation grants and financial assistance, helping independent businesses remain part of Bury’s market offer.
The importance of the market and its traders was also celebrated last week at a popular event featuring Gareth Baty, MasterChef: The Professionals Series 18 winner and Whitefield resident. Organised by the Council’s markets team alongside traders, the celebration was another reminder of the affection people have for Bury Market and the independent businesses that make it such a special place.
Looking ahead
The £10 million investment is another important piece of the wider regeneration picture. Alongside developments at Mill Gate, improvements to public spaces and plans for better transport connections, it creates further opportunities to strengthen Bury as a destination to shop, eat, meet and explore.
For Bury BID, supporting a thriving town centre means championing the businesses, independent traders, venues and experiences that make Bury distinctive, while working with partners to raise the town’s profile and encourage more people to visit.
There is still more to do, but the scale of investment and the progress being made demonstrate real momentum behind Bury’s future.
With its much-loved market at the heart of the town, Bury has an opportunity to build on its heritage while creating an exciting and sustainable destination for generations to come.
