C20 wants listing for Bury's indoor market hall after RAAC found

The building has been shut since October last year after RAAC - a cheaper alternative to standard concrete which has faced structural concerns - was found in the site's external loading bay and market roof.

RAAC, which hit the headlines last year after being found in buildings across the country, was discovered in the roof planks, which span the in-situ concrete downstand beams.

Bury Market's indoor hall was closed after the discovery of RAAC (Image: C20)

The closure forced 49 stallholders out of the building and into new locations at the Mill Gate Shopping Centre and on Princess Parade.

In March, surveyors reports suggested that dealing with the RAAC, and carrying out other essential repairs to the existing building, could cost at least £6m.

The council said it was considering five options for the hall, including a total refurbishment of the existing market hall building.

It was also weighing up replacing the building with a new "future-proofed" indoor market.

Other options included constructing an outdoor covered market linking with the Mill Gate, or the creation of a storage with "kiosk-style" stalls which have landscaped areas between units.

Those options are still being considered by a "cross-party group of councillors" with market traders set to be "at the heart" of the decision.

Now Twentieth Century Society (C20), the national charity for the protection of Britain’s modern architecture, public art, and design heritage, has submitted a listing application for the market hall.

Designed by Fairhurst & Son (1969-71), the market has drawn comparisons with Eero Saarinen's iconic American airport terminals at John F. Kennedy International in New York and Washington Dulles.

C20 is "concerned the council may pursue demolition" and said it is already seeing "successful remediation strategies" being drawn up to deal with RAAC at listed sites such as St Catherine’s College Oxford, University of East Anglia, and Castle Museum York.

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Bury Market (Image: C20)

CSO says a listing for the market Hall would protect the building from demolition and "encourage the council to proceed with a conservation-led refurbishment – replacing the RAAC in a way that preserves the building’s undoubted architectural interest".

But although Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills, welcomes the interest from CSO, she said "a listing at this stage would pre-determine the outcome of these discussions".

The indoor market hall was closed in October (Image: Newsquest)

C20 head caseworker Coco Whittaker said: “Bury Market Hall is an architectural tour-de-force and one of the best buildings of its kind in the north of England.

"It has a wonderful sweeping ‘gullwing’ bird-wing roof creating great open spaces beneath for the activities of the market, which flourished in the space until its recent closure.

"We know that with proper investment and care this building could be lovingly restored and reopened, and hope that our listing bid will kick-start start this process.

"Many building owners and local authorities are understandably concerned about the presence of RAAC, but we’re are already seeing successful remediation strategies being devised on other high profile buildings, that ensure a safe and sustainable future for them.”

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In response, Cllr Morris said: “Our famous and award-winning Bury Market dates back to the 1440s, and has operated from a number of sites over its long history.

“We recognise the heritage of the market hall, but the reality is that we have had to close it urgently due to the discovery of RAAC and we now need to consider appropriate options for its future.

“Following detailed surveyors’ reports, we have put together a range of options for the building, including refurbishment.

“These options will be considered over the coming months by a cross-party group of councillors, and market traders will be at the heart of our decision-making.

"I welcome the interest that C20 has shown in the market hall, but a listing at this stage would pre-determine the outcome of these discussions.

“We are all determined to find the best outcome for all parties, and ensure that Bury Market continues to flourish for many more generations to come.”

The indoor market hall (Image: Newsquest)

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Labour's Bury North candidate James Frith also said a listing would "pre-determine the outcome" and "limit flexibility to ensure maximum capacity" of the market.

He said: "Bury Market is a very special place in our town.

"It’s been part of our heritage and our identity for hundreds of years, and I am dedicated to ensuring its bright future.

"And why I was also proud to support Bury’s successful bid for its renewal.

"It was awful that the doors of its indoor market had to be urgently closed last year upon the discovery of RAAC.

"The focus now has to be on the future of the market hall. I know our council has prepared several options, including refurbishment, and are working closely with market traders and a town-wide consultation to determine the best way forward.

"If elected as MP for Bury North, I will work with all concerned to achieve the best outcome for the market, our traders, and our town.

"I welcome the interest and recognition this group has given our brilliant market and its original design.

"As it stands, specific listing actions at this stage would pre-determine the outcome and limit our flexibility to ensure maximum capacity for Bury Market to play in the livelihoods and lives across our brilliant town."

James Daly, who will fight to keep his Bury North seat for the Conservatives in July, was approached for comment about the development.