Revamped market sees 10k visitors in first month

More than 10,000 people visited a historical market hall in its first month since reopening after a £3.5m regeneration project.

Colne Market Hall officially reopened on 1 May after spending more than two years on a temporary site on Hartley Square.

The new market contains enough permanent units for 11 traders, space for temporary pop-up stalls, a food court with five small kitchen pods and a bar.

Upstairs, new artisan craft studios are being installed, with the idea that creatives can make their products there and sell it in the market below.

Ged Lynch, head of food and beverage at Market Quarter Group, said: "The response over the first month has been fantastic.

"From day one we've seen people travelling from across Lancashire and beyond to come and experience the new Market Hall.

"It's been brilliant to see the atmosphere building week after week, not just inside the venue but across Colne town centre as a whole.

"The traders have worked incredibly hard to make the launch a success and we're excited to keep building on that momentum throughout the summer."

The reopening weekend featured live music, entertainment and family-friendly activities across the bank holiday.

It is home to a range of independent operators offering street food, drinks and desserts, alongside flexible communal seating and a regular programme of live entertainment and events.

Further events, seasonal activations and new trader announcements are planned throughout the summer.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.