Success stories
Market business centre work wrapped up for a Christmas presentation
Thursday 24th December
Building work at Accrington Market Hall has been wrapped up in time for Christmas, giving Hyndburn Enterprise Trust an early present.
The trust's new enterprise haven, on the refurbished gallery level of the market was handed over by building contractors PEC on December 23. The Trust plans to start working in the new offices from early in the New Year.
The haven has been funded by a partnership of Hyndburn Borough Council and No Limits, which supports new and existing businesses in Accrington and across Pennine Lancashire. People who visit the haven will be able to get free advice and support from No Limits about starting or running a business. There are also business units, designed to be perfect for new and fledgling businesses.
Aileen Evans, Director of Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, said that she was looking forward to seeing a mix of businesses moving in: “It looks better than I even imagined. The work has combined old and new, but not lost the atmosphere of the market. When people see the new units, they can’t help but like them.
“The new businesses who work here will be right in the thick of it, in the heart of Accrington. They will be able to learn a lot from the established businesses in the market.”
Balbir Panesar, Managing Director of PEC Building Services, said: “This is an excellent team effort, to get to where we are in a very short time.
“It has been a pleasure working on this site, and I am looking forward to delivering the next phase.”
The next phase, which begins in the New Year, will see a complete revamp of the market trading floor, with the old stone floor being restored and new stalls.
Andy Morris, a Director of Quarterbridge, the specialist market consultancy that is managing the project for Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be handing over phase two on time. We look forward to refurbishing the rest of the market hall on the New Year.”
Councillor Marlene Haworth, Hyndburn’s Cabinet member for Finance, Asset Management and Markets, described the handover as a great Christmas present. She said: “It’s absolutely marvellous that we are on schedule. I can’t wait to see the final phase completed.
“I’d like to thank Quarterbridge, PEC, No Limits and the team at Hyndburn Council for all their hard work.
“People will be amazed at how different things look, so if you haven't been in recently, it's a great time to visit."
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