Transformed Colne Market Hall proving a hit with visitors

The newly refurbished Market Hall combines the town’s traditional market offer with a vibrant new food and drink destination, creating a welcoming space for shopping, dining and socialising in the heart of Colne.

Market traders returned ahead of the official opening on Friday 1 May and the response from shoppers and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.

More than 3,000 people visited the Market Hall during its first week alone, with 10,000 in its first month, providing a significant boost for traders and town centre businesses.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “The transformation of Colne Market Hall is a key part of our plans to reinvigorate the town centre, attract more visitors and support the day and evening economy.

“The market has been an important part of Colne’s heritage and town centre for many years and these improvements will help ensure it continues to serve residents, visitors and businesses long into the future.

“It’s fantastic to see the traders returning and the Market Hall buzzing with activity once again.”

Traders have already reported a strong increase in footfall and sales since reopening.

James Wareing from Pendle Home Entertainment said: “I’m really happy – I’ve never seen it busier!”

Katherine Pana from KP Krafts added: “I’ve had my best week in nine years.”

And Tracy Graham from Card Corner, said: “I’m happy to welcome all my customers back.”

Meanwhile Mike Wordsall, from Colne Tools described the new market as ‘brilliant’ and artist John Corcoran praised the improved space saying, ‘the lighting is great for painting.’

Joanne Stephens from J & T’s Goody Grotto, said she has had more customers and is really happy with her new stall and The Samaritans Book Stall has reported a really good first week with plenty of customers.

The food and drink offer at Colne Market Hall is overseen by Market Quarter Group (MQG), specialists in market hall regeneration projects including the successful Congleton Market Quarter in Cheshire.

Ged Lynch, Head of Food and Beverage at MQG, said: “We are incredibly proud to bring Colne Market Hall to life and to play a part in the next chapter of the town’s story.

“It’s been brilliant to see so much support for our traders and food and drink operators.

“Seeing the Hall full of life again and welcoming back local favourites such as Shaws has been a huge highlight for the whole team.

“We are so proud of the independent businesses that make this market special and the support from the community has been incredible.”

Designed as a welcoming shared space, Colne Market Hall offers somewhere to eat, drink, browse and spend time together - supporting local businesses and building a destination the whole town can feel proud of.

Six independent food and drink operators range from American style pizza , authentic Greek Gyros & Souvlaki, Smash Burgers, Indian Naanwich wraps and Panko & Sushi – Colne’s only authentic vendor of sushi, ramen, bao buns, katsu curries and Japanese stir-fried noodles.

Over eight cask ales and 10 keg beers are supplied by Three Peaks Brewery along with a fine selection of wine and spirits.

Alongside the permanent indoor and outdoor traders, there is a monthly market celebrating local makers, producers and independent businesses.

The new Food Hall is home to six independent food and drink operators, offering a range of dishes alongside local craft beers, wines and artisan coffee.

Councillor Lola Whipp, Deputy Leader of Pendle Borough Council, added: “Colne Market Hall is already proving to be a real success story for the town.

“The fantastic early visitor numbers show there is strong demand for high-quality spaces where people can shop locally, enjoy great food and spend time together.

“This investment is helping to create a more vibrant and sustainable town centre, supporting independent businesses and encouraging more people to visit Colne both during the day and into the evening.”

Colne Market Hall is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 11pm.

The market was transformed thanks to support from the Government’s Levelling Up programme with a total investment of £8.4m across Colne.

This included upgrading Colne’s three theatres – The Muni Theatre, Pendle Hippodrome and The Little Theatre – creating a new Heritage Quarter.

For more information, visit www.colnemarkethall.co.uk 

Indoor market traders

• Artist John Corcoran
• Card Corner
• Colne Tools
• J&T's Goody Grotto
• KP Krafts
• The Broom Cupboard – tarot readings
• The Sweet Stall
• Pendle Home Entertainment – vinyls, CDs, DVDs
• Samaritans Book Stall
• Shaw’s Greengrocers – Veg-it

Food Hall

• Jack’s smash burgers
• Agora Greek street food
• Naanwich Indian
• Boroughs Pizza
• Panko & Sushi
• The Trig Point run by Three Peaks Brewer