Senior Austrian Delegation Visits Award-Winning Bury Market

A senior delegation from Austria has visited Bury Market to learn more about the success of one of the UK's most celebrated markets and its role in supporting the wider town centre economy.

The visit brought together representatives from Austria's town centre management sector with local market and council leaders. During the visit, delegates toured the market's bustling trading areas, explored the surrounding retail offer and viewed the nearby Casewell's development.

Representatives from Bury Council and industry bodies, including Market Service Manager Simon Green, Councillor Gavin McGill and the CEO of NABMA David Catterall, shared insights into the market's award-winning success, the town centre masterplan, and the council's long-standing support for the market as a key driver of economic growth and community life.

The delegation specifically requested a visit to Bury as part of work on the Danube Culinarium Tulln project. Located on the banks of the River Danube, Tulln is developing a new market facility and was keen to learn how Bury has built and maintained a thriving market destination, overcome challenges and planned for future growth.

Roland Murauer, Chief Executive Officer of CIMA (Austria City Centre Management), said:

"England's pioneering role in the field of town centre and high street development, already well known on the continent, was impressively reaffirmed during this professional study tour to Bury.

“In particular, the long-term strategic and operational cooperation between the various stakeholder groups and local government offers valuable insights for us in Austria.

“During this study tour of market halls in England, we gained many interesting insights in Bury for our planned Danube Culinarium Tulln project in Austria. We were particularly impressed by how well Bury Market is integrated into the commercial zones, as well as the clear boost it provides to the town centre's economic prosperity.

The adjoining Caswell's development will add a huge boost to the town centre when it opens later in the year."

Ged Gibbons MSc, who accompanied the delegation, said:

"The warmth of our reception in Bury was recognised by our friends from Austria. It is clear that Bury has true professionals delivering quality markets, with great product knowledge and first-class operational delivery."

Councillor Gavin McGill, Cabinet Member for Culture, Economy and Skills, said: "In Bury we are rightly proud to call our market world-famous.

"That's why I was very pleased to welcome the delegation from Austria, alongside the market team and industry bodies.

"Talking about Bury's progress through investment in the new market canopy and Casewells, as well as other projects in Bury centre and the wider town, tells the world that Bury is the place to be.

"I look forward to welcoming more such delegations and customers to Bury Market in the future."

The visitors also met market traders, who provided a traditional Bury welcome and showcased local produce, helping demonstrate the unique character and appeal that continues to attract shoppers and visitors from across the region and beyond.

Bury Market is widely recognised as one of the country's leading markets and continues to play a central role in supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Bury town centre.