FRESH plans have been unveiled by a Clitheroe-based developer to breathe new life into Burnley’s historic Weavers’ Triangle.

Architects from Stanton Andrews have unveiled proposals for the former George Street Mill which will bring 166 apartments and townhouses and 120 jobs if approved.

Only one building remains on the George Street site following substantial demolition work and this will be retained to provide commerical units, say developers.

Another 1,675 square metres of commercial outlets will be built along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal frontage, alongside 21 two-bed and 43 two-bed apartments, and half a dozen two-bed homes.

The northern corner will provide a mix of apartments and townhouses while a third larger block will house the remaining commercial units and residential accommodation.

Around 230 car parking spaces have been identified with access gained via Clock Street and an unnamed track.

The plans include the creation of a boardwalk along the canal, a series of courtyards, links to the canal and Clock Tower Mill site, and the adjacent Walker Hey footbridge, which connects Charlotte Street and Trafalgar Street.

A Stanton spokesman said: “The proposals aim to re-establish the link between Burnley, the Weavers’ Triangle and the canal. The proposals open up access to the canal, helping increase the canal’s profile and the use of the towpath.”

Talks have taken place between the architects, on behalf of applicant Valegate Ltd, and Burnley Council, after another bid for the George Street land was turned down by councillors in May 2008.

Last month the Northwest Development Agency gave Burnley Council £4million to acquire Hurstwood’s interests in Clock Tower Mill and nearby landmarks.

Separate plans are being drawn up for that area of the Weavers’ Triangle.

Council leader Coun Gordon Birtwistle said: “We are seeing confidence returning to Burnley.

“The university is set to open and the football club is in the Premier League. The people here are investing a lot of money in this and they must be confident that they will do well.”