A TALE OF TWO MARKET TOWNS - BURY SCOOPS ANOTHER AWARD AS ECCLES EYES REGENERATION

With news of the future renovation of Eccles town centre and the councils recent purchase of the local shopping precinct from Columbia Threadneedle for a princely sum of £4.15m, there have been suggestions mooted that now is the time for a proper local market to make a return to what 'after all is a market town'.

Yes we know there is the indoor market but it is hardly on a par with the likes of Bury or Altrincham.

However, there have been voices within the council that have suggested that such a return would not be viable and that local markets no longer have a place in town centres.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the Metrolink track, the famous Bury Market has won yet another national award –  this time 'The Best Market Attraction in the land', according to industry body NABMA, at its Great British Market Awards ceremony in Birmingham.

Bury Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said:

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“This is another fantastic award for our beloved Bury Market, and shows how highly it is valued by people across the land.

“As the judges have said, our plans for the future are exciting, and will keep Bury Market on people’s ‘must visit’ list for many years to come.”

 

The NABMA Judges, said of Bury Market:

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“This market is described as one of the best markets in the North West and a destination that attracts customers and visitors from far and wide. It is multiple award winning and is regarded as a ‘regional treasure’.

“It has charisma and atmosphere and the layout offers visitors the opportunity to easily seek out and visit stalls within a very large traditional market in a modern setting.

“This market has a vital role within the local economy, providing jobs to hundreds of individuals, bringing in large amounts of money to the town, and supporting a loyal customer base – with the market being particularly well-used by people living in deprived neighbourhoods, and elderly pensioners living alone.”

 

As the council readily admits in a recent video to showcase Eccles, the town has probably the best transport links in the region, boasting Tram, Train, Taxi as well as bus terminal, all on its doorstep.

Eccles once had a thriving market, but alas, it fell into decline, partly due to the exodus of people who migrated away from the area when its heavy industry declined and jobs were hard to find, as well as pressures from supermarkets which could use their huge bargaining powers to undercut the traders.

Since those dark days markets have had to evolve of die a death and with the support of local councils there are many which have actually thrived.

Bury is just one prime example of how to do things correctly, which this most recent accolade clearly proves.

There is nothing at all stopping Salford Council from replicating the success of Bury, if the regeneration is handled correctly, keyword 'Correctly'.

The primary success of Bury has been in enticing people from across the region to visit, bringing with them money that is spent in the area, on local produce which supports local business. Another success has been rather ironically in how the market actually markets itself as a place people actually want to visit. People go there for a bargain and leave feeling like they have not only got one but also had a nice day out.

A market in this day and age will always struggle to survive with just the custom of the local populace, but if marketed correctly and made to feel welcoming, Eccles could pull in lots of custom from far beyond its borders, just as Bury currently does.

The future of Eccles is looking exciting and investors should be chomping at the bit to get in on the action early, the little market town is in a prime position for redevelopment and could once more become the thriving crown jewel in Salford's crown. The councils recent acquisition is probably one of the best purchases they have made in a long time and the local councillors are all onboard to push to make the town a success.

It just needs a little faith, a little belief and a lot of investment.