Rossendale is poised for a significant year of regeneration in 2026, with major works planned for several town centres and historic markets across the borough.
Market Halls Get Multi-Million Pound Makeovers
The most prominent project is the £4.2 million revamp of Rawtenstall Market. The transformation will include a new food hall, a replacement roof, and upgrades to ventilation and electrical systems. The overall design was simplified in autumn 2025, with plans for a stage, solar panels, and some murals removed.
Funding from the previous government's Levelling-Up fund is central to the project. Rossendale Council has appointed Casey as the main contractor, who will take responsibility for the site from January 2026. Completion is now expected in early 2027, a year later than initially planned. Stall holders have temporarily relocated to the new Town Square near the bus station.
Further up the valley, Bacup is set for a brand-new market hall and public space. The plans involve upgrading existing stone-faced cabins and constructing a new landmark wooden canopy with outdoor space and a cafe below. A planning application has been submitted, and work could begin in spring 2026, subject to approval.
Wider Town Centre Masterplans and Roadworks
Beyond the markets, comprehensive masterplans are shaping the future of other Rossendale towns. In Waterfoot, proposals focus on improving the historic Trickett's Arcade, a listed building, alongside plans for illuminated railway tunnels and revamped public spaces. This is linked to the newer government-backed £20 million Long Term Plan for Towns (now renamed Pride in Place projects), which also covers Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth.
Extensive roadworks are also ongoing. In Haslingden, works around Deardengate have led to the closure of Higher Deardengate until at least 30th January 2026. Lancashire County Council is also continuing utility and road improvements in Rawtenstall town centre, with work moving south towards Bocholt Way; these are scheduled for completion by spring 2027.
Housing and Infrastructure Developments
Other significant developments include new housing. Work has begun on land west of Edenfield for new homes, towards the A56. Plans for 238 new houses in Edenfield, including over 70 affordable homes, prompted hundreds of complaints earlier in the year, leading to local masterplanning efforts by residents.
A less glamorous but essential infrastructure project is the construction of a waste transfer station at Futures Park in Bacup, near the council offices. This plan was recently agreed upon, with councillors stating it is a preferable location to the existing Henrietta Street site.
Together, these projects signal a period of substantial change for Rossendale, aiming to boost local economies, improve public spaces, and shape the borough's future landscape.
