A timeline for the completion of a £33m project to build a flexi-hall and improve Bury’s famous outdoor market has been published.

Following a successful bid from the council, the market received £20m from the former Conservative government’s levelling up fund.

That money, along with a further £13m of funds for the project from the council, is dedicated to future-proofing the market by improving accessibility alongside building a new multifunctional flexi-hall.

The hall will be an events building able to host cultural, leisure and live performances, food and drink outlets and have space for business and community use.

The outdoor market will have new over sailing roof canopies above the stalls and pedestrian walkways.

The market site

The market site

The council said access improvements will create a more visible, high-profile entrances to the market and there will be measures to support sustainability and de-carbonization, including future installation of solar panels.

The council said there will be better links from the market to the interchange, Bury College, the Mill Gate Shopping Centre and Kay Gardens and improvements to seating and landscaping.

The authority said the plans had been heavily influenced by feedback from a public consultation last year.

A series of public "drop-in" sessions are planned at Bury Market this month.

Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the plans and meet the project team.

These sessions will be held on The Golden Mile, Bury Outdoor Market from 10am to 3pm on the following dates Friday, July 19, Saturday, July 20 and Wednesday, July 24

The time-line below shows when some of the main construction activities are expected to begin.

The council said the dates are anticipated but may be subject to change:

July/August 2024: Start utility service diversions in Murray Road

Mid-August 2024: Contractor’s site compound set up at the Market car park

Mid-August 2024: Erection of site hoardings around vacant properties 2 and 10 Princess Parade and the former Bury Market Office at Murray Road

September 2024: Start service diversions within outdoor market areas

Mid-October 2024: Start canopy improvements to outdoor market areas (Frederick and Edward blocks)

End-October 2024: Start outdoor market canopy improvements (George, Wyndam, Georgiana, Garden, Princess blocks)

November 2024: Start demolition of vacant properties (2-10 Princess Parade and former market office at Murray Road)

January 2025: Start dismantling redundant bus canopy (next to Stand E Bury Interchange)

February 2025: Start demolition of vacant units (Nos 47 and 51 Market Street)

June 2025: Start Bury Market Flexi Hall construction

February 2026: Start landscaping improvements

June/July 2026: Scheme completion.

Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, economy and skills, said: “I am delighted that we are strengthening Bury town centre with our regeneration plans, alongside the new flexi-hall.

"Bury Market plays a vital role in bolstering Bury’s economy, providing hundreds of jobs, bringing in large amounts of money to the town and supporting a loyal customer base.

“Our regeneration plans aim to build upon these strengths and future proof not only the market but our historic town centre as well.

“We must adapt to the changing needs of our residents and traders which is why we have made this investment into the Flexi-Hall, opening up multifunctional space able to provide further opportunities for cultural events and entertainment in our bustling town centre.”