Market traders and shoppers positive amid £4.2m regeneration in Rawtenstall

Market stalls and street-food outlets in Rawtenstall have moved to cabins in the town square and units in the bus station while the old market hall is being renovated with £4.2m of Levelling-Up funding.

Market stalls and street-food outlets in Rawtenstall have been relocated to cabins in the town square and to shop units inside the bus station. The council plans to revamp the old market hall over the next 12 months using £4.2m of Levelling-Up cash. Market stalls now operate on Thursdays and Saturdays, while many food outlets are open from Thursday to Sunday and into the evenings. Traders and some shoppers say the new setup feels lively but raises practical concerns. Current situation: - Street-food outlets and traditional market stalls are operating from cabins in Town Square and from units inside Rawtenstall bus station. - Market stalls trade on Thursdays and Saturdays; several food outlets open Thursdays to Sundays and offer evening service. - Traders such as the Pizza Box team report positive early feedback but say covered space for customers and more publicity would help daytime trade. - Some stallholders praised the council and market manager Lyndsay Rawson for their support, while others miss the larger display space in the old market hall. - Rossendale Council has set out a 12-month refurbishment of the old market hall funded by £4.2m of Levelling-Up money. Summary: Traders and shoppers describe a busier town square with a welcoming atmosphere on good days, alongside practical needs such as customer shelter and clearer promotion. The council's planned £4.2m renovation of the market hall is the next major step in a 12-month programme, and traders say they will watch how events and publicity develop.