Bolton Market’s outdoor market incomplete after move

Recently the outdoor market was relocated to the northern, Ashburner Street side of the site from the southern, New Street side of the site to allow for the creation of an extension with a food hall.

The multi-million-pound redevelopment was supported by the government’s Towns Fund from which Bolton Council received more than £20 million. The authority set aside more than £5 million for Bolton Market with the rest set aside for other schemes such as Bolton Library and Bolton Museum.

Unfortunately the outdoor market, which consists of two metal structures with space for almost 50 pitches, is incomplete as it is not protected from the rain or the wind, exposing traders and visitors to the elements. There is also a problem with pigeons roosting in the roof of the two metal structures.

The council said protection from the rain and the wind was included in the design but not covered by the budget due to difficulties achieving an agreement with United Utilities about building on top of their sewer.

On Monday, cabinet member for culture Nadeem Ayub is set to approve almost £100,000 towards additional works on the site to address the issues.

READ MORE: Bolton Council cabinet members receive pay rise after debate.

A report reads: “Seddon Construction were awarded the contract to carry out the redevelopment works on Bolton Market. This contract is due to end at the end of October. 

“This created a small window for the enhancement works to be carried out whilst the contractor is on site therefore reducing the cost of the enhancement works by £45,000.”

On the days it is open, the indoor occupancy at the market is almost 100 per cent but the outdoor occupancy at the market is a lot lower at around 50 per cent.

The council aims to increase the outdoor occupancy with the additional works paying for themselves if this is achieved. If approved, these works are estimated to cost £95,000 and are estimated to take three weeks.

A spokesperson said: “The original grant did not cover the necessary weatherproofing measures. 

“While these were included in the original design, they were removed due to the rising cost of achieving an agreement with United Utilities. 

“This required alterations to the heights of the structure, the foundations, and the steel thickness.

“It is common for projects like this to encounter additional challenges, however it was necessary for work to start on time in order to meet the condition of grant funding. It was always our intention to review the finished work with traders and to seek additional funding for alterations as needed.”

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.

Source – INDIA TV