Cllr Pritchard went on to say that the council-operated bar and café, run in a ‘cross venue model’ with the town hall, would create further ‘efficiencies and employment pathways’ for Accrington residents once it has opened in November. Restaurateur Paul Fox was appointed a few months ago to oversee the town centre (Image: Hyndburn Council)She said: “It will also bring massive social value to our offer. "We are aiming to complement other local businesses, bringing people into the town centre who wouldn’t otherwise come, sourcing locally and operating as a footfall driver for the whole town centre.” The council is expecting to spend £300,000 operating the bar and café for 2026-2027, with an estimated turnover of £500,000. The market hall revamp makes up roughly half of that funding pot, with the rest going towards the redevelopment of Burtons Chambers, into a modern office space, and Market Chambers, into a major cultural venue just over from the new-look market hall.