Post by admin on Nov 8, 2006 1:01:38 GMT 1
Bid to create new store at ‘eyesore’ mill
NEW life could be breathed into a rundown mill after plans to build another Valley superstore were unveiled this week.
Bridge Properties Ltd has submitted an outline planning application to Rossendale Council to build a 17,000 sq ft food store at the site of the semi-derelict Irwell Mill between Lee Street and Henrietta Street in Bacup town centre.
The identity of the new store is being kept under wraps as the developers are still in talks with the operators.
Advertisement
But it is thought around 100 new jobs could be in the pipeline if councillors give plans the thumbs up.
Although the application is still in its infancy, the store – which would include the former Horace’s nightclub site – would also provide 130 car parking spaces and a key part of the mill would be retained and refurbished to provide high quality office accommodation.
However, it would be in direct competition with the existing Co-op supermarket on Irwell Street.
Greensclough ward councillor Jimmy Eaton, who lives in Bacup, welcomed the plans in principle.
He said: ‘It will be welcome competition to the other supermarkets in Bacup and hopefully it will bring prices down. The only concern is that it may force some of the small shops to close.
‘I would like to see a range of shops appearing in Bacup, rather than just food.
‘The proposed site is on one of the main roads into Bacup and at the moment it’s an eyesore.
‘I would like to see the whole of the plan before I decide whether I support it or not.’
Councillor Duncan Rudthingy, leader of Rossendale Council, said: ‘I think it is an excellent idea. I think anything which helps to regenerate Bacup town centre is a good thing.’
Paul McCann, managing director of Altrincham-based Bridge Properties, said: ‘This is probably the most exciting development proposal Bacup town centre has seen for many years and if we are successful there can be no doubt that the scheme will completely rejuvenate the town.
‘Our proposal will kick-start the process by providing a food store to anchor the town and help claw back the considerable amount of expenditure which is currently flooding out of the town as locals chose to shop elsewhere.
‘There can be no doubt that the proposed scheme will improve the appearance of what is currently an untidy and semi-derelict site.’
It is hoped the new store could open in 2008, if plans are approved.
Lisa Kenyon
First published by the Rossendale Free Press
NEW life could be breathed into a rundown mill after plans to build another Valley superstore were unveiled this week.
Bridge Properties Ltd has submitted an outline planning application to Rossendale Council to build a 17,000 sq ft food store at the site of the semi-derelict Irwell Mill between Lee Street and Henrietta Street in Bacup town centre.
The identity of the new store is being kept under wraps as the developers are still in talks with the operators.
Advertisement
But it is thought around 100 new jobs could be in the pipeline if councillors give plans the thumbs up.
Although the application is still in its infancy, the store – which would include the former Horace’s nightclub site – would also provide 130 car parking spaces and a key part of the mill would be retained and refurbished to provide high quality office accommodation.
However, it would be in direct competition with the existing Co-op supermarket on Irwell Street.
Greensclough ward councillor Jimmy Eaton, who lives in Bacup, welcomed the plans in principle.
He said: ‘It will be welcome competition to the other supermarkets in Bacup and hopefully it will bring prices down. The only concern is that it may force some of the small shops to close.
‘I would like to see a range of shops appearing in Bacup, rather than just food.
‘The proposed site is on one of the main roads into Bacup and at the moment it’s an eyesore.
‘I would like to see the whole of the plan before I decide whether I support it or not.’
Councillor Duncan Rudthingy, leader of Rossendale Council, said: ‘I think it is an excellent idea. I think anything which helps to regenerate Bacup town centre is a good thing.’
Paul McCann, managing director of Altrincham-based Bridge Properties, said: ‘This is probably the most exciting development proposal Bacup town centre has seen for many years and if we are successful there can be no doubt that the scheme will completely rejuvenate the town.
‘Our proposal will kick-start the process by providing a food store to anchor the town and help claw back the considerable amount of expenditure which is currently flooding out of the town as locals chose to shop elsewhere.
‘There can be no doubt that the proposed scheme will improve the appearance of what is currently an untidy and semi-derelict site.’
It is hoped the new store could open in 2008, if plans are approved.
Lisa Kenyon
First published by the Rossendale Free Press