​Traders’ financial boost as Bury Market reopens

Stalls across the famous Bury Market are now back in business – with a further financial boost from the council to help them on their way.

Town leaders have decided to extend the rent holiday they gave to all market traders at the start of the coronavirus lockdown in mid-March.

The rent-free period will now be until the end of June for traders who have started reopening today (15 June), and until 18 July for those who cannot open until at least 4 July due to the lockdown rules (such as cafes and hairdressers).

Councillor Jane Black, cabinet member for the cultural economy, said: “Bury Market is rightly called the jewel in the crown of Bury, a hugely popular attraction that brings in visitors from across the land as well as many local residents.

“We are proud of our market and will do all we can to make sure it continues to prosper for many years to come. That’s why we have taken this measure to help our 300-plus traders through this very difficult period, and put their businesses in the best position to bounce back as the lockdown eases.”

She added: “Bury is open for business, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our famous attractions like Bury Market – but please follow the rules on social distancing at all times so we can all shop safely.”

The indoor market is now open from today (Monday 15 June) and the first full outdoor market day is on Wednesday (17 June).

Measures have been taken to ensure the market meets the Government guidance. This includes:

• Social distancing signage and floor markings
• Stewards controlling entry to the Market Hall and Fish and Meat Hall with a maximum number of shoppers at any one time being 65 and 25 respectively
• All traders will complete a risk assessment before reopening
• A one-way system on several of the parades
• Hand sanitiser dispensers installed at key locations
• The outdoor market public toilets will be open, with a steward ensuring no more than one visitor at a time

The council’s help for traders with the rent holiday will cost around £700,000 in total, and the authority is also distributing discretionary grants to those who qualify.

The council has committed £1.3 million to improvement plans for the market and a range of short-term and long-term options is being drawn up to put the famous market, which dates back to the 1440s, at the forefront of the town centre’s regeneration.

A task group has looked at a wide range of issues: occupancy rates, rents, visitor numbers, customer profiles, range of goods offered, the market’s public image, and its role as a tourist attraction.

ENDS

Press release issued: 15 June 2020.