Groundbreaking event marks official start of Bury Market transformation

The £33 million scheme funded by UK Government (£20m) and Bury Council (£13m) to enhance Bury Outdoor Market and build a new multi-functional flexi hall has officially commenced.

A ‘groundbreaking’ ceremony was held on Tuesday 21 January 2025 to mark the start of building work which will boost the facilities at the world-famous market, whilst also creating opportunities for future live performance, pop-up trading, and food and drink festivals.

The new building will also include a new café bar, an area dedicated to office functions and space dedicated for business and community use.

The event was hosted by VINCI Building, the main contractor for the project and attended by Leader of Bury Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, together with Councillor Charlotte Morris (Cabinet Member, Culture, Economy and Skills) and ward councillors for Bury East, Councillor Ummrana Farooq and Councillor Gavin McGill.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth, said: “Bury Market is a historic and integral part of our town centre and a staple of our borough.

“The new flexi hall and enhancements to the outdoor market, offer an exciting opportunity to boost and futureproof our famous market.

“The enhanced market will continue to support existing customers but by adding to the overall offer and expanding the diversity of groups who use it we can be confident our market can continue to go from strength to strength for many years to come.

“The scheme will also pave the way for further regeneration of Bury town centre, with much more to come with our ambitious plans for Mill Gate and the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Bury Interchange.”

The outdoor market will have new oversailing roof canopies above the stalls and pedestrian walkways, while access improvements will create a more visible, high-profile entrance to the market, together with greater links to the Bury Interchange, Bury College, the Mill Gate shopping centre and Kay Gardens.

VINCI Building’s Construction Director Stuart Brown said: “We are delighted to now be on site on this key development in the centre of Bury. There is a real sense of collaboration across the whole team in delivering this key project. Not only will it provide state of the art market facilities, but it will also create key opportunities to develop skills, provide training and create sustainable employment during its construction.”

Bury Market will be open as usual throughout the construction programme. All works will be undertaken on non-market trading days or at night-times, when required.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member, Culture, Economy and Skills, said: “This is the start of something really big for the future of our wonderful Bury Market and the town centre.

“The market plays a vital role in supporting Bury’s economy. It provides jobs, generates thousands of visitors from far and wide, and brings in large amounts of money to the town, as well as supporting a loyal customer base.

“This project allows us to build on all these strengths to create an even better market for everyone to enjoy.

“In the meantime, while this fantastic transformation takes place, let’s continue to show the traders our support.”

With enabling works already carried out and demolition works well underway, the construction work is expected to be finished during the summer of 2026.

Issued: 22 January 2025.

Picture: At the groundbreaking event are (in digger) Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, with (front, from left) Cllr Gavin McGill; Cllr Ummrana Farooq; Nick Parkinson, project manager; Cllr Charlotte Morris; and Stuart Brown, construction director.