Blackburn’s new £8 million market is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 28th.

The new modern market hall is based in the ground floor of the new £66 million Mall shopping centre.

There will be 61 food stalls, 50 non-food stalls, nine café/catering stalls and six mini shops.

The Council has invested heavily in the Market as part of its commitment to the regeneration of the town centre and two thirds of the pitches have already been allocated, both to existing and new traders.

The new 21st century market hall will be fitted out with the latest display and sales methods. Funding of £1.5million has been allocated for equipment fit-out and tenants have chosen their own purpose-built stalls, counters and display walls.

The café and catering stalls will be one of the attractions in the market, with a large shared seating area.

Many existing traders are moving into the new premises and there has also been a great deal of interest from traders outside of the town.

An official opening of the new market will be held on Saturday 28th May but traders will be able to start trading from Wednesday, May 25 if they wish.

The traders will be able to start carrying out their stall fit out works from February. Access is as follows:

Café … ………………..28th February
Perimeter shops………..23rd March
Non-food stalls ………….6th April
Food stalls ………………20th April

The market was due to open in March but was delayed when one of the sub contractors went into administration.

However, the main contractors Browns Construction Group Ltd are working round the clock to finish the £8 million fit out, which is well underway.

Existing market traders in Blackburn have been reassured that they can continue trading in their current premises until the new market opens.

Rent reductions in the existing premises will also continue. They have been given a 95% rent reduction for February and stall rents will reduce to just £5 from March.
Councillor Dave Harling, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “It was important that traders knew the opening date as soon as possible so that they can start to plan their move into the new modern market hall. It also gives them more time to ensure their new stalls are ready for the opening in May. We are trying to support the traders as best we can through the next few months with further rent reductions.

“We are moving with the times and firmly believe that the new market will be a real asset to the town. In the meantime, the current market is still open for business and I would urge people to support traders during this period of change.”