Parts of Bury Market are undergoing a temporary closure due to safety concerns over infrastructure.
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was found in the roof panels of the famous market after a check-up on October 26, as the unstable concrete was used for the construction of the building in 1971.
As a result of this, and even though the RAAC has been considered low risk, the stalls have closed following a decision by councillor Charlotte Morris and in the meantime loyal customers will have to await the announcement of a reopening date.
The silver lining, however, is that 14 stalls saw a revival, reopening shortly after their closure; the outdoor market and fish and meat stalls are equally lucky in remaining open for business.
Meanwhile, 16 of the market’s previous traders have been relocated into premises nearby.
Councillor Morris has provided financial support for those affected, including rent, service charge and a business rates freeze.
Additionally, business advice and support has been offered to these stall keepers, and a business advisor has been assigned to them too, thanks to the aid of the Greater Manchester Growth Company and Morris’ economic development team.
Founded in 1440, this beloved spot has won numerous awards including Britain’s favourite market back in 2019; additionally, it has been praised as “the jewel in Bury’s crown” by councillor Morris herself.
Its current location was established in 1970 and underwent refurbishments including a new architecturally astonishing “flexi hall” and a higher overall quality, thanks to a £20 million grant from the government, at the start of this year.
Feature image: Robert Wade via Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED)
