High demand for a new creative quarter at Colne Market

The market hall’s government funded £3.5 million transformation, including a food court and bar, should be completed around the end of September 2025, at which stage it will be handed over to the new operator and the opening date will be confirmed shortly. 

 

“Exciting plans for the first floor above the market hall are now taking shape,” announced Leader of Pendle Borough Council, Councillor David Whipp.

“This is thanks to research on the feasibility of artists’ studios, creative workspaces and a possible co-working area for solopreneurs which has met with a highly enthusiastic response."  

Over 90% of those who filled in the survey supported plans and felt there was a market for arts and crafts in the Lancashire Yorkshire border area close to Colne.

The research findings will be discussed at the Executive meeting on Thursday 19 June where an important decision will also be made about a possible new operator for Colne Market.

Phillip Spurr, the Council’s Director of Place, explained: “The artists and organisations we contacted flagged up high demand for workshop spaces but a lack of availability, with waiting lists for studios right across the region.”

“There is scope for creative people to make upstairs and sell downstairs in the street market area for around 10 temporary stalls.

“And there could be a space for artists to lead creative classes for local people and visitors too."

Over 50 of the artists felt that additional space for workshops, the option to sell on a pop-up market stall and being part of a creative hub as well as taking part in town centre events were important.

Colne was seen as a creative town with a strong commitment to arts and culture including the three theatres in the heritage quarter which have also benefitted from government funding.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Development and Regeneration added: “We’d like to thank everyone who  advised us, including Arts Lancashire, the Heritage Trust for the North West and Pendle’s In-Situ.” 

Artists who completed surveys were entered into a prize draw with Norma Foulds of Preston and Eva Jane Thomas and Dawn Beedell of Colne each winning £50 vouchers for Colne Muni or Tubbs Restaurant and Bar in the town.

On receiving her voucher, Dawn, who is an energy artist, said: “Colne is a lively, buzzing town!  It will be a good place for an arts hub. There isn’t anything like this locally.”